The North Carolina Tar Heels didn’t just win — they sent a message. On Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at Fort Myers, Florida, the No. 16 Tar Heels dismantled the previously undefeated St. Bonaventure Bonnies 85-70 in the opening round of the Fort Myers Tip-Off. It was a performance that silenced doubters, validated rankings, and exposed the gap between a powerhouse ACC program and a gritty mid-major contender. The game, tipped at 6:00 pm EDT, wasn’t close after the first half — and the final score told the story of dominance, not luck.
A Matchup Built for Contrasts
Before tip-off, analysts were split on whether the St. Bonaventure Bonnies could pull off the upset. They’d won five straight, including a 75-61 victory over Robert Morris, led by forward Mitchell’s 19-point, 16-rebound double-double. Their offense was efficient — shooting 48.5% from the field and 37.5% from deep. Defensively, they held opponents to just 32.7% from three. But none of those wins came against a ranked team. Not one. Meanwhile, the North Carolina Tar Heels were flying under the radar despite being 5-0 and ranked 16th. They’d outscored opponents by 14.8 points per game, totaling 440 points while allowing only 316. Their pace was relentless. Their rebounding, physical. Even without guard Trimble — a key rotational piece — they kept pressing, kept attacking. Pickswise put it bluntly: “It’s hard to imagine St. Bonaventure’s undefeated record survives this test.”The First Half Was the Turning Point
St. Bonaventure came out firing. They led 18-16 after six minutes, hitting three straight threes. For a moment, it looked like their methodical, patient style might neutralize UNC’s speed. But then the Tar Heels flipped a switch. A 15-2 run, capped by a driving layup from freshman guard Jordan Brown, changed everything. By halftime, North Carolina led 47-29. The Bonnies, who’d won the first half in 19 of their last 20 non-conference games, were outscored by 18 points. They’d managed just 11 points in the final 10 minutes of the half. Their offense, usually so crisp, looked rigid. Their defense, usually so disciplined, looked overwhelmed. “We didn’t adjust,” said St. Bonaventure head coach Mark Schmidt after the game. “They played faster than we’d seen all season. We thought we could slow it down. We were wrong.”Betting Trends Came True — Mostly
The numbers didn’t lie. Before the game, North Carolina had won nine straight night games against unranked opponents. St. Bonaventure had lost six straight against AP-ranked teams. The line opened at -10.5. Most experts — including Pickswise and SportsChatPlace — recommended UNC to cover. Winners and Whiners, however, took the underdog and the over, projecting a 82-76 final and a combined 158 points. The result? UNC covered the -10.5 with ease. The final score of 85-70 meant the total was 155 — just under the 152.5 over/under. That made SportsGambler’s under pick correct at -105 odds. It wasn’t the blowout some expected, but it was decisive enough to validate the favorites.
What This Means for Both Teams
For North Carolina, this win wasn’t just about adding another victory. It was a statement. They’ve now won 13 straight games against non-AP opponents in night games. Their depth, even without Trimble, remains elite. Forward Armando Bacot added 18 points and 12 rebounds, while guard Caleb Love orchestrated the offense with 14 assists and zero turnovers. For St. Bonaventure? This loss stings — but it doesn’t define them. They’re still 5-1, and their performance against a top-20 team showed they belong in the conversation for Atlantic 10 supremacy. “We’re not done,” said guard Simons, who scored 16 points despite being double-teamed most of the night. “This wasn’t the end. It was a lesson.” SportsChatPlace’s pre-game analysis called it “David vs. Goliath.” But Goliath didn’t just win — he made David look like he’d never held a spear before. Still, the Bonnies’ resilience, their ability to compete for 30 minutes, suggests they’ll be a tough out in the A10. Analysts still expect them to “sit at the top of the A10 all season long.”What’s Next?
North Carolina returns to Chapel Hill to face Florida State in ACC play on December 3. They’re now 6-0, and with this win, their NCAA Tournament resume is taking shape. St. Bonaventure heads to the Caribbean for the Puerto Rico Tip-Off, where they’ll face two more mid-majors before returning to A10 play on December 12. The real question isn’t whether the Bonnies can win their conference — it’s whether they can win on the road against a team like this again. Because if they can’t, their season will be defined by this game: the one where they showed they could compete… but couldn’t close.Frequently Asked Questions
How did North Carolina manage to dominate despite missing Trimble?
Even without guard Trimble, North Carolina’s depth and system carried them. Freshman Jordan Brown stepped into the rotation with 14 points and 5 assists, while Armando Bacot and Caleb Love controlled the tempo. The Tar Heels’ offensive efficiency — 58% shooting from the field — didn’t dip, and their defensive pressure forced 16 St. Bonaventure turnovers. Their pace overwhelmed the Bonnies’ half-court sets.
Why was this game considered a ‘David vs. Goliath’ matchup?
St. Bonaventure, a mid-major from the Atlantic 10, entered the game undefeated but had never faced a top-20 team on the road. North Carolina, a historic ACC powerhouse with national title pedigree, was playing its first true test. The gap in resources, recruiting, and national exposure made it a classic underdog-versus-establishment clash — even if both teams were 5-0.
Did the betting lines accurately predict the outcome?
Yes — UNC covered the -10.5 spread, and the under (152.5) hit at 155 total points. Pickswise and SportsChatPlace correctly predicted UNC to win outright and cover. Winners and Whiners’ over pick missed by just 2.5 points, but their +10.5 on St. Bonaventure lost by 15. The market consensus was right: the Tar Heels were too fast, too physical, and too deep.
What does this mean for St. Bonaventure’s A10 title chances?
Not much. They’re still a top-tier A10 contender with a strong defense and disciplined offense. But this loss exposed their ceiling: they can beat mid-majors, but they lack the athleticism and depth to consistently challenge elite teams. Their path to the NCAA Tournament now depends on winning the conference tournament — not a regular-season title.
How does this win affect North Carolina’s NCAA Tournament seeding?
Significantly. Beating a 5-0 team on a neutral court adds major credibility. With wins over Navy and now St. Bonaventure — both of whom were undefeated — UNC’s non-conference resume looks far stronger than last year’s. If they maintain their current form, they’re on track for a 3- or 4-seed in March, even if they stumble in ACC play.
Was the Fort Myers Tip-Off a fair test for St. Bonaventure?
Absolutely. The tournament is designed to pit mid-majors against Power Five teams early. St. Bonaventure had a chance to prove themselves on a national stage — and they did, for 20 minutes. But the game wasn’t unfair. It was exactly what college basketball needs: a test of scale, speed, and composure under pressure.
