Deadspin | Unbeaten USC rides another close win into game vs. 6-0 Seton Hall

[ad_1] Nov 3, 2025; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Seton Corridor Pirates head coach Shaheen Holloway reacts in the course of the first half in opposition to the Saint Peter's Peacocks at Prudential Middle. Obligatory Credit score: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Photos Seton Corridor and Southern California picked up vital outcomes to start the Maui Invitational.

Constructing on these successes can be paramount when the Pirates and Trojans meet in Tuesday's semifinals of the match at Lahaina, Hawaii.

Seton Corridor (6-0) recorded an 85-74 victory over No. 23 North Carolina State on Monday, handing the Wolfpack their first loss.

"A very good win for us, a very good win for our progress," Pirates coach Shaheen Holloway mentioned. "However you may't get comfortable."

Southern California (5-0) gained its second shut sport in a row, edging Boise State 70-67 within the first spherical behind Rodney Rice's 27 factors. The Trojans loved a 33-15 edge in 3-point scoring, with Rice connecting 4 instances from past the arc.

Coach Eric Musselman mentioned the Trojans anticipate a bodily grueling matchup with Seton Corridor.

"We have got to defensive rebound, for certain," Musselman mentioned, "particularly with Seton Corridor. They tackle the persona of the pinnacle coach. They're tough-minded."

The Pirates can hit the boards. They've had 4 totally different gamers as their prime rebounder to this point. Najai Hines, who's Seton Corridor's seventh-leading scorer, leads the staff in rebounds at a median of 6.3 per sport.

Holloway mentioned there have been many good indicators for the Pirates to embrace from their first-round victory, notably how they started the second half.

"We simply acquired to play our basketball," he mentioned. "We begin enjoying the way in which I feel we are able to play, I feel we acquired an opportunity."

It wasn't simply the offense, however what Seton Corridor's protection did to North Carolina State to assist ignite the offense.

"We acquired some stops," Holloway mentioned. "We acquired some run-outs."

Holloway mentioned he is aware of that success may be fleeting, however defeating the Wolfpack ought to assist the Pirates consider in themselves.

"I name this the marathon," Holloway mentioned. "That is a part of the marathon for us."

By defeating Boise State, Southern California improved to 3-4 all-time in video games within the Maui Invitational. The Trojans have by no means gained the match.

Southern Cal survived a three-overtime sport in opposition to Troy earlier than heading to Hawaii. Regardless of the nip-and-tuck nature of November video games, there's heaps for Musselman to find out about his staff.