Seton Hall basketball takes on Washington State tonight in the Maui Invitational third-place game. Both teams arrive after heartbreaking semifinal losses. The Pirates seek redemption after falling short against USC 83-81 on November 25.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Seton Hall entered the tournament undefeated at 6-0 before losing to USC in the semifinals
- Washington State fell to Arizona State 100-94 despite Ace Glass’s freshman-record 40 points Tuesday
- Third-place game scheduled for 5:30 PM EST (12:30 PM Hawaiian time) at Lahaina Civic Center
- Both programs are hunting for tournament momentum as conference play approaches
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The Pirates arrived at the 2025 Southwest Maui Invitational undefeated after bouncing back from a 7-25 season last year. Seton Hall made an impressive statement with an 85-74 victory over No. 23 North Carolina State in the opening round on Monday.
But Tuesday’s matchup against USC told a different story. Despite building a 13-point lead early, Seton Hall couldn’t hold on as the Trojans rallied back. The Pirates found themselves down by one with just six seconds remaining, unable to recover in an 83-81 defeat.
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Guard Adam Clark led Seton Hall with 18 points in the loss, while AJ Staton-McCray added 17. Coach Shaheen Holloway’s squad expressed frustration over a significant free-throw disparity where they attempted just 18 attempts to USC’s 38.
Washington State Seeking Third-Place Consolation After Glass’s Record Performance
Washington State started strong with Ace Glass III scoring 26 points off the bench in a 90-85 opening victory over Chaminade on Monday. The momentum continued Tuesday when Glass put on a historic performance in the semifinal against Arizona State.
The freshman sensation dropped a Washington State program-record 40 points, just three shy of the Maui Invitational all-time record of 43 set by Adam Morrison in 2005. Despite Glass’s effort, the Cougars fell short 100-94 as they surrendered 58.9% shooting to Arizona State.
Head coach David Riley acknowledged the defensive struggles, noting his team allowed a double-digit lead to slip away in the second half. Glass made six three-pointers including a crucial shot with 21 seconds left to pull Washington State within three.
Team Statistics and Tournament Context
| Team | Record | Season Results |
| Seton Hall Pirates | 6-1 | Undefeated heading to Maui; defeated NC State, lost to USC |
| Washington State Cougars | 3-4 | Defeated Chaminade; lost to Arizona State |
Key Storylines and Player Performances to Watch
Seton Hall’s resilience will be tested against a Washington State squad hungry for a positive result. The Pirates have already proven they can compete against quality opponents. The Cougars carry a powerful offense led by Glass’s hot hand but need improved perimeter defense.
Adam Clark will be critical for Seton Hall’s success, as he’s been one of their most consistent scorers. AJ Staton-McCray has also stepped up with strong performances in tournament play. For Washington State, Glass’s continued offensive aggression could prove too much for any opponent.
What Is the Path Forward for Third-Place Finishers?
A win in the consolation matchup would provide valuable momentum heading into conference play. Seton Hall enters the Big East as legitimate contenders, while Washington State looks to build consistency in Pac-12 competition.
Coach Holloway sees the third-place game as an opportunity for his team to finish the tournament on a positive note. Similarly, coach Riley wants his Cougars to prove the loss to Arizona State was just one bad defensive showing. Turnovers, shooting efficiency, and rebounding will likely determine the winner.
Sources
- Reuters – Coverage of both teams’ Maui Invitational journeys
- ESPN – Game recaps and player statistics
- NCAA.com – Official tournament bracket and schedule
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.