Full Breakdown
Seton Hall Upsets NC State in Maui Invitational Opener
11/25/2025, 12:36:17 PM
Game Overview: Seton Hall vs. NC State
In a surprising turn of events, Seton Hall defeated No. 23 NC State 85-74 in the opening round of the 2025 Maui Invitational held at the Lahaina Civic Center. This marked the first loss of the season for NC State (4-1) and the first time this season that a ranked team lost to an unranked opponent, snapping a 96-game winning streak for ranked teams against unranked teams.
Seton Hall (6-0) took control early, leading for most of the game. The Pirates showcased a strong defensive performance, outscoring the Wolfpack in several key categories, including a 40-26 advantage in paint points and a 22-7 edge in fast-break points. A.J. Staton-McCray led Seton Hall with 22 points, while Ven-Allen Lubin topped NC State with 16 points and nine rebounds.
First Half Highlights
The first half saw both teams exchanging leads, with Seton Hall initially establishing a 10-point lead. NC State managed to stay competitive, trailing by just two points at halftime, 35-33. Despite shooting struggles, including a 5-of-10 performance from the free-throw line, the Wolfpack found some rhythm late in the half, with Matt Able scoring 10 points to keep the team in contention.
Second Half Dynamics
The second half proved challenging for NC State as Seton Hall opened with a 16-2 run, extending their lead to 51-35. The Wolfpack struggled to respond, shooting poorly from the field and failing to capitalize on opportunities. Darrion Williams, who was expected to be a key player, was limited to just 12 points due to foul trouble and Seton Hall's aggressive defense.
Seton Hall's defense was relentless, recording nine blocks and forcing numerous turnovers, which contributed to their ability to maintain a significant lead throughout the game. The Pirates' depth was evident, with six players scoring in double figures, showcasing their balanced offensive attack.
Official Statements & Responses
Head coach Will Wade of NC State acknowledged the team's shortcomings, particularly in handling Seton Hall's defensive pressure. "We need to be cleaner with the ball and make better decisions under pressure," Wade stated post-game. Seton Hall's coach, Shaheen Holloway, praised his team's effort, emphasizing their physicality and defensive execution. "We came out with a great defensive effort and played connected basketball," Holloway remarked.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics pointed out NC State's inability to adapt to the heightened competition level, highlighting their struggles against Seton Hall's defensive schemes. The Wolfpack's shooting woes, particularly from three-point range and the free-throw line, were also focal points of criticism, as they finished with only 33% from beyond the arc and missed crucial free throws.
What's Next
Following this loss, NC State will face the loser of the USC vs. Boise State matchup in the consolation bracket of the Maui Invitational. Seton Hall, on the other hand, advances to the semifinals, where they will meet USC.
This game serves as a significant early-season test for both teams, with Seton Hall establishing itself as a formidable contender in the tournament and NC State needing to regroup quickly to avoid further setbacks in their season.
