The Hubert Davis-era of North Carolina basketball experienced a first on Wednesday during their game against Michigan State basketball. Davis received a technical foul, his first since he took over as the Tar Heels head coach. He was arguing with the referees about the Spartans bench jawing with the Tar Heels bench.

Regardless, that technical foul sparked a momentum shift for Michigan State, after they were trailing 58-57. They came back to win in overtime and stun the Tar Heels. Immediately after the game, Davis spoke bluntly to reporters about his thoughts on the call.

“I’m not going to comment on that, but I never use profanity,” Davis said via InsideCarolina on X. “I never show up anybody.”

The No. 12 Tar Heels fell to 4-3 on the season and haven't performed up to their expectations, as well as the fanbase's. While they've faced tough opponents (No. 1 Kansas, and No. 4 Auburn), the Tar Heels haven't lived up to the standards. Now, a loss to Michigan State doesn't help their cause, or Davis's.

North Carolina basketball and Hubert Davis could have more problems 

Article Continues Below
More NCAA Basketball News
Brigham Young Cougars center Aly Khalifa (50) warms up during the NCAA first round practice session at CHI Health Center Omaha.
Former BYU big man given extra year to return to Louisville basketballTroy Finnegan ·
Featured image Hunter Dickinson
Kansas basketball’s Hunter Dickinson lands with West team after NBA draftDylan Fine ·
Arkansas Razorbacks head coach John Calipari talks to forward Adou Thiero (3) during the second half against the Little Rock Trojans at Bud Walton Arena. Arkansas won 79-67.
Arkansas Razorbacks HC John Calipari’s heartfelt reaction to Adou Thiero’s NBA journeyRichard Pereira ·
Mar 30, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Auburn Tigers forward Johni Broome (4) celebrates after a play during the second half in the South Regional final of the 2025 NCAA tournament against the Michigan State Spartans at State Farm Arena.
Auburn’s perfect reaction after 76ers draft Johni BroomeZachary Draves ·
Creighton Bluejays center Ryan Kalkbrenner (11) reacts with head coach Greg McDermott during the second half against the Auburn Tigers in the second round to the NCAA Tournament at Rupp Arena.
Creighton celebrates after Hornets draft Ryan KalkbrennerDavid Yapkowitz ·
Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood reacts during the first half in the second round of the NCAA Tournament against the Kentucky Wildcats at Fiserv Forum.
Illinois basketball news: Brad Underwood’s promise after former players drafted back-to-backJake Faigus ·

Also, the ACC's top teams have faced their share of troubles. For example, Duke basketball also lost to No. 1 Kansas, as well as being upset by Kentucky basketball. While that's a product of the increased competition across the entirety of college basketball, the losses are strange for the blue bloods.

Following the loss, some fans believe that the Davis experiment in Chapel Hill should be over. However, conference play hasn't begun yet. With Duke challenging them as the main competitor, there are more teams this season. Stanford, California, and SMU are in the conference as well. They're not blue bloods in college basketball, but an upset can happen in every game. Considering the three losses they've had, other programs might aim to play their best ball against them.

However, it's the beginning of the season and overreactions are warranted. The 4-3 record isn't appealing, but it also matches UConn's record as well. While both teams are different in their own right, both are blue-bloods that are accustomed to success. The shock therapy has hit the college basketball world and might rule North Carolina out of any serious contention.

Despite that, they're still a blue blood, even with Davis. After the Maui Invitational, the schedule doesn't get easier for the Tar Heels, as they take on No. 9 Alabama. Luckily, they'll be in front of the home crowd but the high-octane offense could feed off of the bitterness that Davis might exude from Wednesday's controversial call.