Seton Hall basketball brings its undefeated record to Maui on Tuesday night facing unbeaten USC in a high-stakes Maui Invitational semifinal. Both teams arrive at the Lahaina Civic Center with perfect records and stunning momentum. This matchup has everything: a Cinderella story, elite offensive firepower, and tournament prestige on the line.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Seton Hall sits at 6-0 after beating No. 23 NC State 85-74 on Monday
- USC stands 5-0 after narrowly escaping Boise State 70-67 in Monday’s opener
- Rodney Rice led the Trojans with 27 points against Boise State
- Game tips at 5:00 PM ET on Tuesday at the Southwest Maui Invitational
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A.J. Staton-McCray led the Pirates to their biggest win of the season. The 6-0 Seton Hall squad dominated No. 23 ranked NC State with a convincing 85-74 victory on Monday. Staton-McCray poured in 22 points while shooting 7-of-11 from the field and grabbing 8 rebounds.
Seton Hall’s defensive pressure was overwhelming against the Wolfpack. The Pirates registered 9 blocks and converted chaos into fastbreak points with precision. After a difficult 2024-25 season, the Pirates proved they’ve arrived as a legitimate tournament threat. This squad showed it can slow down and frustrate ranked opponents.
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USC nearly stumbled in its Maui Invitational opener before pulling away late against Boise State. Rodney Rice delivered when it mattered most, scoring 27 points including a crucial three-point play late in the game. The Trojans edged the Broncos 70-67 on Monday night in a thriller.
Chad Baker-Mazara contributed 11 points with 8 rebounds off the bench. USC’s ability to win close games shows championship-caliber composure. The Trojans have now survived two near-upsets this season, suggesting their undefeated record reflects genuine depth.
Tournament Performance and Tournament Records Stack Up
| Team | Record | Maui Game 1 Result |
| Seton Hall | 6-0 | Beat No. 23 NC State 85-74 |
| USC | 5-0 | Beat Boise State 70-67 |
Why Tuesday’s Semifinal Matters Beyond the Trophy
The Southwest Maui Invitational represents the premiere early-season tournament for college basketball. Seton Hall’s unranked status makes this semifinal extra meaningful. Defeating an unbeaten power like USC would vault the Pirates into national conversations.
For USC, this semifinal offers a chance to defeat a hot team and potentially earn tournament respect. The Trojans haven’t shown vulnerability yet despite playing in close games. Seton Hall’s defensive prowess could create problems that Boise State couldn’t.
What Should Fans Expect From This Maui Showdown?
Seton Hall arrives with elite defense and balanced scoring. The Pirates force turnovers and convert second chances. USC counters with explosive scoring led by Rice and depth scoring all five positions. Expect a battle fought in the paint and on the perimeter.
The Lahaina Civic Center will host this tournament semifinal at 5:00 PM ET on Tuesday, November 25, 2025. Both teams have momentum and championship aspirations. One team leaves undefeated while the other faces its first loss.
“Seton Hall recorded a statement win in Maui, becoming the first unranked team to beat an opponent in the latest edition of the tournament.”
— MSN Sports, College Basketball Coverage
Sources
- ESPN – Live game coverage and official scoring records
- Reuters – Team performance analysis and game recaps
- NBC Sports – Player statistics and highlight analysis
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.