“Thumped and embarrassed are not two good words that a coach of a successful program should use,” Izzo said. “I’ve had to use it twice in the same year. It bothers me and I hope it bothers our guys.”

Izzo insists Tuesday’s game (9 p.m., ESPN) isn’t a revenge scenario — he sees revenge games as ones against an opponent he or his players might not respect, which is not the case with the Tar Heels — but more of proving the Spartans can compete.

After an early-season loss to unranked Florida last weekend, the Spartans already might be in need of a key win to prove they’re a legitimate contender.

“It’s a big game in December because a game like this can do a lot for our confidence and it could be a big win that could factor in March,” junior guard Durrell Summers said.

The matchup will take place on the second day of the annual challenge, in which the Spartans have a conference-best 5-4 record. The Big Ten never has won the challenge. Tuesday’s game is the first true road test for MSU, which boasted a 9-1 record away from Breslin Center last season.

This year’s North Carolina team features a much different look from the 2009 National Champions. Its lineup lost four starters, including two of the most decorated players in college basketball — Tyler Hansbrough and Ty Lawson. Last year, the Tar Heels posed a serious threat in the backcourt and could run circles around most teams.

This year, the Heels’ frontcourt is its strength, with six players standing 6-foot-9 or taller.

“They belong in Oregon,” Izzo said. “Those are the tallest trees I’ve ever seen. It’s a big redwood convention down there. It’s size, and talented size.”

This year North Carolina began the season with a No. 4 ranking, but a convincing loss to Syracuse bumped the Heels out of the top 10. Sailing has not been as smooth this year for the Heels, who hold a margin of victory of just 12.8 thus far. They have four players averaging in double figures, including senior forward Deon Thompson, who is posting 17.7 points and 8.9 rebounds per game.

“I don’t think there’s any question Thompson is the best post player we’ve faced in a while,” Izzo said.

The Spartans will look to their trio of junior guards — Summers, Kalin Lucas and Chris Allen — to balance the attack, and sophomore guard Korie Lucious (5.3 assists per game) will run the point with Lucas.

To have a shot, Izzo and the players acknowledged they will have to kick the bad turnover habits which emerged this weekend against Florida and plagued them last year against the Tar Heels.

“I think we’re ready to go in there and show them the Michigan State team we’re capable of being,” Summers said.