Harrison Barnes had 17 points, and top-ranked North Carolina used a late first-half burst to easily beat Michigan State 67-55 on Friday night aboard the USS Carl Vinson docked at the Naval Harbor in San Diego.

In the first-ever game played outdoors on an aircraft carrier, the two teams struggled to get things going early with all the unusual conditions. President Obama was in attendance and gave a speech to thousands of fans and active military duty before the game, which was put on as a celebration of Veteran’s Day.

The Tar Heels, considered by many to be the most talented team in the country, were dominated on the glass in the first 10 minutes and fell behind 19-14 midway through the first half.

But then North Carolina amped up the defensive pressure and started looking to push the ball more. John Henson scored on a couple of fast-break buckets, including a thunderous dunk, and the Tar Heels closed the half on a 22-6 run to take a 36-25 halftime lead.

Things didn’t change much after the break, as North Carolina built a 62-49 lead on Barnes’ three-pointer from the corner with just over five minutes left.

Forward Draymond Green had 13 points and 16 rebounds for Michigan State, which was in foul trouble all night. Point guard Keith Appling fouled out with eight minutes left in the game on his third offensive foul, leaving Travis Trice in charge of the ball-handing duty. The freshman performed well but the Spartans’ offense was turnover prone for much of the game.

North Carolina has now won 77 of its last 82 season-openers and beat Michigan State for sixth straight time.