The NC State Wolfpack men’s basketball team is set to compete in the Maui Invitational, marking its inaugural appearance in this prestigious tournament. On Monday, they will go head-to-head with Seton Hall at 2:30 p.m. ET, broadcasted live on ESPN2. Fans can also tune into the Wolfpack Sports Network for live commentary by Matt Chazanow and Chucky Brown.
Maui Invitational: NC State vs. Seton Hall Preview
NC State’s Season Overview
Currently ranked 25th, NC State boasts a perfect 4-0 record. Their latest victory was a tense 85-79 win against VCU, where they only trailed once early in the game. Darrion Williams was instrumental, scoring 28 points and maintaining impressive shooting accuracy throughout the season.
- Darrion Williams averages 28 points per game and has consistently shot above 50% in all games.
- NC State’s overall scoring average stands at 100.8 points per game, placing them second in the ACC and fourth nationally.
- They lead the ACC in three-pointers made per game, averaging 13.3 and achieving an impressive three-point shooting percentage of 43.1%.
Key Player Statistics
In just four games, Williams has accumulated 93 points, a record for any NC State player since Rodney Monroe in the early 90s. In addition, two players scoring over 25 points in games has become a common occurrence for the current season.
| Player | Points (Season) | Field Goal Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Darrion Williams | 93 | 61.1% |
| Tre Holloman | 25 (Career High) | 68.4% (Second Half) |
Second Half Performance
NC State’s offensive prowess significantly increases in the second half. They have scored an average of 55.5 points in the final 20 minutes, with Williams particularly shining in this period.
Coaching and Player Experience
This marks head coach Will Wade’s first Maui Invitational with NC State; he previously coached LSU in the tournament. His experience, alongside players Tre Holloman and Ven-Allen Lubin, adds a layer of familiarity for the squad.
Matchup History with Seton Hall
Monday’s game will mark the seventh meeting between NC State and Seton Hall. The series stands tied at three wins each. The last matchup occurred in 2018 during the NCAA tournament, where Seton Hall bested NC State 94-83.
Conclusion
NC State’s performance in this Maui Invitational matchup against Seton Hall is highly anticipated. Their current momentum and scoring ability make them formidable opponents as they aim to secure a solid start to their tournament journey.
