Pirates Stymie K-State for Gritty Road Win, 78-67
MANHATTAN, Kan. – Seton Hall secured a decisive 78-67 victory over Kansas State on Wednesday night, marking their first win against a Big 12 opponent since 2021 and improving their record to 9-1-their best start after ten games since the 2021-22 season. The Pirates overcame a late Wildcats push, fueled by key contributions from Kadary richmond and Stephon Payne, to secure the road win.
The victory holds significance as seton Hall continues to build momentum early in the season, demonstrating an ability to perform against Power Five competition. This win also marks only the second-ever matchup between the two programs, with the Pirates now holding a 2-0 all-time record against kansas State, dating back to a 34-29 win on December 30, 1940. The Pirates will return to the Prudential Center on Saturday, December 13, to face Rutgers in the annual Hardwood Classic, broadcast on FS1 at 8 p.m.
Trailing by eight late in the second half, Kansas State attempted a comeback, but a late surge by Seton Hall extinguished any hopes of a wildcats rally. Richmond and Payne combined for eight of the Pirates’ nine unanswered points, extending their lead to a game-high 17 points, 71-54, with under four minutes remaining.
kadary Richmond led the Pirates in scoring, while Stephon Payne provided a crucial spark off the bench. Seton Hall has now scored 68 or more points in all ten games this season,including five consecutive games with 75+ points. The team also boasts a consistent offensive presence, with at least three players scoring in double figures in every game this season.
Defensively, the Pirates continued their impressive form, holding Kansas State under 70 points and recording 10 steals-extending their streak of nine or more steals to all nine games this season, tying a program record for both the longest streak in program history and the longest streak to open a season.
Al Amadou Staton-McCray extended his streak of double-digit scoring games to eight, with four of those reaching 15+ points. Hines recorded his fourth career game with double-digit points.Seton Hall has limited opponents to under 70 points in eight of their ten games played this season.
