Seton Hall Stuns #23 NC State in Maui Invitational Upset

Seton Hall shocked the 23rd-ranked NC State Wolfpack on Monday. The final score was 85-74 in the Maui Invitational quarterfinals. The game happened in Lahaina, Hawaii. The Pirates improved to a perfect 6-0 with the win.

This is a major statement victory for the Big East team. NC State suffered its first loss after a high-scoring 4-0 start. Seton Hall’s suffocating defense was the key difference maker.

Defensive Fury Fuels Hall’s Historic Start

Seton Hall’s defense overwhelmed the Wolfpack from the tip-off. The Pirates recorded nine blocks and eleven steals. They converted those stops into 19 crucial points off turnovers.

According to ESPN, NC State entered averaging over 100 points per game. Seton Hall held them to just 74. The Wolfpack shot only 42.4% from the field for the game.

This defensive masterclass set the tone. It allowed Seton Hall to control the pace. NC State never found its high-powered offensive rhythm.

Staton-McCray Leads Second-Half Charge

The game was tight at halftime. Seton Hall led by just two points, 35-33. That changed quickly after the break.

The Pirates opened the second half with a devastating 16-2 run. AJ Staton-McCray was the catalyst. He scored 14 of his game-high 22 points after halftime.

His performance broke the game open. NC State could not recover from the sudden deficit. The lead ballooned to 16 points within five minutes.

Staton-McCray finished 7-of-11 from the field. He also grabbed eight rebounds. His leadership on both ends was pivotal.

Supporting Cast Steps Up in Team Win

This was not a one-player show. Mike Williams provided an early spark with three first-half three-pointers. He finished with 14 points.

Elijah Fisher and Adam Clark each added 13 points. The balanced scoring attack kept NC State’s defense guessing all game.

Seton Hall shot an efficient 51.8% from the field. They also hit 83.3% of their free throws. This offensive efficiency complemented their defensive grit perfectly.

What This Means for Both Teams

For Seton Hall, this is a program-defining win. It marks their best start to a season since 2014-15. The 6-0 record is the longest win streak of the Shaheen Holloway era.

The Pirates advance to face USC in the Maui Invitational semifinals. Confidence will be sky-high after beating a ranked opponent so convincingly.

For NC State, it’s a harsh reality check. The Wolfpack now drop into the consolation bracket. They will face the loser of Boise State versus USC.

Coach Will Wade must find answers quickly. His team looked out of sync against elite defensive pressure. The road ahead in a tough ACC conference just got clearer.

Seton Hall’s upset over NC State proves defense still wins big games. Their historic start has the college basketball world on notice.

Info at your fingertips

Who was the key player for Seton Hall?

AJ Staton-McCray led all scorers with 22 points. His 14-point surge after halftime broke the game open for the Pirates. He also contributed eight rebounds in a complete performance.

What was the turning point in the game?

The start of the second half decided the contest. Seton Hall launched a decisive 16-2 run immediately after halftime. This turned a narrow two-point lead into an insurmountable advantage.

How did NC State’s offense perform?

NC State’s offense was stifled. They were held to 74 points, well below their 100+ average. The Wolfpack shot just 42% and committed key turnovers against the pressure.

What is next for both teams in the tournament?

Seton Hall advances to the semifinals to play USC. NC State moves to the consolation bracket. They will play the loser of the Boise State versus USC game.

Why is this win significant for Seton Hall?

This marks Seton Hall’s best start in nearly a decade at 6-0. It is a signature non-conference win over a ranked Power Five team. The victory provides huge momentum for their season.

How did Seton Hall dominate defensively?

The Pirates recorded nine blocks and eleven steals as a team. They turned defense into offense, scoring 19 points directly off NC State’s mistakes. This intense pressure never relented.

Trusted Sources: ESPN, Seton Hall University Athletics, Big East Conference.