NC State basketball falls to upset 85-74 loss to Seton Hall in Maui

NC State basketball couldn’t contain Seton Hall’s defensive fury, falling 85-74 in the Maui Invitational quarterfinal Monday. The Pirates flexed their stifling defense to improve to 6-0 and hand the 23rd-ranked Wolfpack their first loss of the season.

Staton-McCray Carries Pirates to Upset Victory in Maui

Seton Hall didn’t waver against ranked opposition on Monday afternoon. With AJ Staton-McCray orchestrating the offense, the Pirates controlled the game from the midpoint of the first half onward.

The 6-0 Seton Hall team imposed its will defensively in the opening minutes. Mike Williams set the pace early, going 3-for-3 from three-point range in the first several minutes. Staton-McCray answered with his own aggressive play, leading Seton Hall to a 35-33 halftime lead despite a competitive first 20 minutes.

Second Half Blowout Seals Upset for Unbeaten Pirates

Everything changed when the teams returned from halftime. Seton Hall opened the second half with a devastating 16-2 run that immediately shifted momentum. Staton-McCray scored 14 of his team-high 22 points after intermission, commanding the perimeter.

By the time five minutes had elapsed in the second half, Seton Hall had stretched its lead to 16 points, 51-35. NC State got within 10 at 61-51 with over eight minutes remaining, but Staton-McCray wouldn’t allow a comeback. The Pirates answered with an 8-0 run and never looked back down the stretch.

Defensive Masterclass Overwhelms Wolfpack Offense

Stat Category	Seton Hall	NC State
Field Goal %	51.8%	42.4%
Free Throw %	83.3%	72.7%
Steals	11	5
Blocks	9	0
Points Off Turnovers	19	TBA

Seton Hall’s defense was the true star Monday in Lahaina. The Pirates recorded nine blocks and five steals, turning possessions into fastbreak opportunities. NC State went 12-31 shooting in the second half after committing seven turnovers.

The Wolfpack entered the tournament averaging 100.8 points per game, but Seton Hall’s schemes and intensity held them well below that pace. Ven-Allen Lubin led NC State with 16 points and 9 rebounds, while Matt Able contributed 15 points.

Supporting Cast Delivers for Hall in Historic Start to Season

Seton Hall didn’t rely solely on Staton-McCray. Mike Williams posted 14 points with six rebounds after going 5-for-10 from the field. Elijah Fisher and Adam Clark each scored 13 points, while Tajuan Simpkins added 11 and Najai Hines finished with 10.

The victory marks Seton Hall’s best start since the 2014-15 season, with the Pirates now 6-0. This also represents their longest winning streak of the Shaheen Holloway era, and it’s their first double-digit regular-season win over a power conference nonconference opponent since December 2021.

What’s Next for Both Teams After Maui?

Seton Hall advances to face USC in the Maui Invitational semifinals on November 25. Meanwhile, NC State drops into the consolation bracket to play the loser of Boise State vs. USC. The loss leaves Coach Will Wade’s squad needing to regroup quickly after managing just 74 points against elite defense.

This defeat stings because NC State looked poised for a tournament run after starting 4-0. However, Seton Hall’s defensive intensity proved too much on a neutral floor in Hawaii.

Watch: NC State vs Seton Hall Game Highlights

Sources

• ESPN Sports — Official game recap with final statistics and player performance data
• Seton Hall University Athletics — Detailed story coverage and historical context for Pirates
• Big East Conference — Tournament information and standings