The North Carolina State University Wolfpack entered the 2025 Maui InvitationalLahaina Civic Center as one of the nation’s hottest teams — 4-1, undefeated in conference play, and ranked 23rd. What followed was a humbling 85-74 loss to the unranked Seton Hall University Pirates, a team that didn’t just show up — they took control, never looked back, and handed NC State its first defeat of the season. The game, played on Monday, November 24, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time, wasn’t close in the second half. And it wasn’t just a fluke. It was a statement.
A Dominant Second Half Breaks the Wolfpack
For the first 20 minutes, it was a battle. Ven-Allen Lubin opened the game with a thunderous lob dunk from Darrion Williams, giving NC State an early 2-0 lead — their largest of the night. The Wolfpack clawed back from a 14-point deficit to trail by just two at halftime, 35-33. But then came the second half. And with it, the unraveling.
Seton Hall opened the half with a 16-2 run. Sixteen points. Two for NC State. In under four minutes, the Pirates turned a narrow lead into a commanding 51-35 advantage. There was no panic from Seton Hall. No desperation. Just methodical, physical basketball. AJ Staton-McCray, the Pirates’ lightning-quick guard, sliced through the defense like a knife, finishing at the rim with ease. His presence created space, and when Elijah Fischer blocked a shot that led to a transition bucket by Staton-McCray, the crowd at the Lahaina Civic Center erupted.
NC State’s Effort Wasn’t Enough
The Wolfpack didn’t quit. With 6:04 left, Matt Able and Darrion Williams hit back-to-back threes, cutting the lead to nine. It felt like momentum might shift. But Seton Hall answered with six straight points — no timeouts, no hesitation. The Pirates weren’t just playing defense; they were playing with poise. Shaheen Holloway, Seton Hall’s head coach, had his team locked in. His players moved without the ball, passed with purpose, and attacked the rim with aggression.
For NC State, the numbers tell a story of effort, not execution. Lubin led the team with 18 points and 9 rebounds. Able added 13. Williams chipped in 12 points and 6 boards. Tre Holloman scored 11. But when you’re 23rd in the country and your top three scorers combine for just 42 points on 15-of-42 shooting — including 4-of-15 from three — you’re not going to beat a team that shoots 52% from the field and dominates the paint.
The Rise of Seton Hall’s Guard
AJ Staton-McCray didn’t just score — he dictated. He finished with 22 points, 5 assists, and 4 steals. His quickness exploited NC State’s slower big men, and his ability to draw fouls kept the Wolfpack in foul trouble. He wasn’t the only one. Guadir Copeland, a transfer from McNeese State who previously played at Syracuse, added 10 crucial points off the bench. His experience in high-pressure environments showed. Seton Hall didn’t have a single player with a double-double — but they had balance. Seven players scored in double figures. That’s not luck. That’s coaching.
And that’s what makes this win so significant. Seton Hall entered the tournament 6-0. They were flying under the radar. Now? They’re a threat. Shaheen Holloway, who once coached at Seton Hall’s rival, Seton Hall’s rival, Rutgers, has built something special in New Jersey. This isn’t a fluke win over a ranked team. It’s the next step in a program’s rise.
What’s Next for NC State?
The Wolfpack now face the loser of Boise State vs. USC on Tuesday, November 25, at 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time — still in the hunt for a top-four finish in the Maui Invitational. But the damage is done. Their reputation as a national contender took a hit. Their defense looked slow. Their perimeter shooting was inconsistent. And their inability to close out a game against a lower-ranked opponent raises serious questions.
They’re still 4-1. But they’re no longer the team that looked like a Final Four contender. They’re now a team that needs to prove it can win on the road, against physical, disciplined teams. The Maui Invitational isn’t just a tournament — it’s a measuring stick. And NC State didn’t pass.
A Tournament That Matters
The 2025 Maui Invitational has been held since 1984, originally in Hawaii’s capital before settling in Lahaina. It’s one of the most prestigious early-season tournaments in college basketball — a stage where bubble teams earn respect and blue-blood programs get tested. This year’s field includes USC, Boise State, and Gonzaga. But the early shocker? Seton Hall beating a ranked ACC team on the road. That’s the kind of win that changes perceptions.
For NC State, the next 48 hours will define their season. Can they bounce back? Or does this loss expose deeper flaws? The answer will come on Tuesday — but the message from Monday is clear: Seton Hall isn’t just playing. They’re arriving.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did AJ Staton-McCray impact the game beyond scoring?
AJ Staton-McCray didn’t just score 22 points — he disrupted NC State’s defense with his quickness, forcing 14 turnovers and drawing multiple fouls that put key Wolfpack players in foul trouble. His ability to penetrate and kick out created open threes for teammates, and his defensive pressure led to three steals that sparked fast breaks, including a pivotal block-and-finish sequence with Elijah Fischer.
Why did NC State struggle in the second half?
NC State’s offense stalled after halftime due to poor shot selection and Seton Hall’s physical defense. The Wolfpack took 15 three-pointers in the second half but made only 4, while Seton Hall attacked the basket consistently, scoring 50 points in the half — 16 of those coming in the first 3:20. Their lack of interior presence and slow rotations allowed Seton Hall to dominate the paint.
What does this loss mean for NC State’s ACC season?
The loss exposes NC State’s vulnerability against physical, disciplined teams — a concern as they face ACC powerhouses like Duke, North Carolina, and Virginia Tech. Their 0-0 conference record now carries more weight as a cautionary tale. If they can’t improve their half-court execution and defensive rotations, their NCAA Tournament hopes could be in jeopardy despite their strong non-conference start.
How significant is this win for Seton Hall’s program?
Beating a ranked ACC team on the road in the Maui Invitational is a landmark win for Seton Hall. It’s their first victory over a top-25 team since 2022 and signals that Shaheen Holloway has built a team capable of competing with the nation’s elite. A win in the next round could vault them into the Top 25 for the first time since 2021.
Where is the Maui Invitational held, and why does it matter?
The tournament is held at the Lahaina Civic Center in Lahaina, Hawaii — a historic venue that’s hosted elite college teams since 1984. Winning here isn’t just about trophies; it’s about national credibility. Teams that perform well in Maui often gain momentum for the rest of the season, and this year’s field includes multiple NCAA Tournament contenders.
Who is Shaheen Holloway, and why is his coaching significant?
Shaheen Holloway, former Seton Hall point guard and current head coach, is known for his defensive schemes and player development. He previously coached at Saint Peter’s, leading them to the 2022 NCAA Elite Eight. His ability to get underdog teams to outplay more talented opponents has made him one of college basketball’s most respected tacticians — and this win over NC State proves he’s doing it again.