{"id":17999,"date":"2025-11-24T15:45:41","date_gmt":"2025-11-24T19:45:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.red94.net\/news\/seton-hall-looks-to-stay-unbeaten-against-no-23-nc-state-in-maui-invitational-both-squads-4-0-record-debut\/"},"modified":"2025-11-24T15:46:07","modified_gmt":"2025-11-24T19:46:07","slug":"28237-seton-hall-looks-to-stay-unbeaten-against-no-23-nc-state-in-maui-invitational-bo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.red94.net\/news\/28237-seton-hall-looks-to-stay-unbeaten-against-no-23-nc-state-in-maui-invitational-bo\/","title":{"rendered":"Seton Hall looks to stay unbeaten against No. 23 NC State in Maui Invitational, both squads 4-0+ record debut"},"content":{"rendered":"

Seton Hall<\/b> looks to stay perfect against No. 25 NC State<\/b> in an unbeaten matchup at the 2025 Maui Invitational<\/b> on Nov. 24<\/b>. The Pirates<\/b> bring a 5-0<\/b> record out to Hawaii<\/b>. Meanwhile, NC State<\/b> brings their 4-0<\/b> mark into the tournament. This battle of unbeatens kicks off at 2:30 p.m. ET<\/b> on ESPN2<\/b> from the Lahaina Civic Center<\/b>. Thing is, both teams are peaking at exactly the right moment.<\/p>\n

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\ud83d\udd25 Quick Facts:<\/p>\n

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  • Seton Hall Pirates<\/b> bring a 5-0<\/b> record into the tournament<\/li>\n
  • NC State Wolfpack<\/b> enter at 4-0<\/b> with No. 25<\/b> ranking<\/li>\n
  • Matchup begins Monday, Nov. 24 at 2:30 p.m. ET<\/b> on ESPN2<\/b><\/li>\n
  • The winner advances to face the USC\/Boise State<\/b> winner in the semifinals<\/li>\n
  • NC State squeaked past VCU 85-79<\/b> in their toughest test yet<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

    Battle of the Unbeatens Erupts in Maui<\/h2>\n

    Here’s what makes this first-round showdown so special. Both squads are undefeated heading into one of college basketball’s premier early-season tournaments. Seton Hall<\/b> has been dominant in the Big East<\/b>, while NC State<\/b> just cracked the AP Top 25<\/b> poll after impressive non-conference wins.<\/p>\n

    The Pirates<\/b> survived a program-record 42 points<\/b> from Fordham’s Alexis Black<\/b> in a double-overtime thriller. So they know how to win close games. NC State<\/b> barely escaped VCU<\/b> last Monday in their toughest test. Both teams are battle-tested. Plus, both bring serious offensive firepower and defensive intensity.<\/p>\n

    According to various sports analysts, NC State<\/b> enters as favorites with a -10.5<\/b> point spread. The total is set at 143.5<\/b> points. But undefeated teams often play with extra confidence. Seton Hall<\/b> could surprise a lot of people if they execute their game plan.<\/p>\n

    Key Statistical Matchup: Scoring vs Defense<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    Stat<\/th>\nSeton Hall<\/b><\/th>\nNC State<\/b><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
    Overall Record<\/b><\/td>\n5-0<\/b><\/td>\n4-0<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Conference<\/b><\/td>\nBig East<\/b><\/td>\nACC<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Tournament Ranking<\/b><\/td>\nUnranked<\/td>\nNo. 25 AP<\/b> \/ No. 22 Coaches<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Points Per Game<\/b><\/td>\nTBA<\/td>\n100.8<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Points Allowed Per Game<\/b><\/td>\nTBA<\/td>\n69.8<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Latest Victory<\/b><\/td>\nDouble-OT vs Fordham<\/b><\/td>\n85-79 vs VCU<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

    NC State<\/b> holds a major advantage with their elite scoring average of 100.8 points per game<\/b>. Plus they’re shutting down opponents at 69.8 PPG<\/b>. That defense ranks 124th nationally<\/b>, which isn’t terrible but can improve. Seton Hall<\/b> proved gritty in that double-overtime win. Their ability to win tight games could offset talent disparities.<\/p>\n

    What Experts Are Watching For<\/h2>\n

    Head coach Will Wade<\/b> brings NC State<\/b> to their Maui Invitational debut<\/b> just weeks into his tenure. Wade<\/b> arrives fresh off back-to-back titles in the Southland Conference<\/b> plus a tournament upset of Clemson<\/b>. His team plays with intensity and structure.<\/p>\n

    Meanwhile, Seton Hall head coach Shaheen Holloway<\/b> leads a retooled Big East<\/b> squad hoping to surprise. The Pirates<\/b> haven’t been ranked for a while. But starting 5-0<\/b> changes that conversation fast. Here’s the deal: whoever controls the tempo and limits turnovers likely wins.<\/p>\n

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    • Bench production<\/b> will be crucial in Hawaii’s early-season tournament<\/li>\n
    • Three-point shooting<\/b> could determine the outcome on a neutral court<\/li>\n
    • Rebounding battle<\/b> matters since both teams love breaking fast<\/li>\n
    • Foul trouble<\/b> on either side could swing momentum instantly<\/li>\n
    • Watch for NC State’s<\/b> ability to push pace and score early<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Can Seton Hall Pull the Maui Upset?<\/h2>\n

      This matchup gets interesting because NC State<\/b> hasn’t faced major tournament pressure yet. Seton Hall<\/b> comes from a power conference battle-tested. But NC State<\/b> simply has more firepower on paper.<\/p>\n

      According to oddsmakers, NC State<\/b> enters favored by double digits. Still, sports is weird. Undefeated teams feed off confidence. Plus, Seton Hall<\/b>‘s double-overtime win showed character. They could absolutely compete in Maui<\/b>. Will Seton Hall<\/b> keep the dream alive?<\/p>\n

      Get the official preview from Will Wade<\/b> and NC State<\/b>:<\/p>\n