Seton Hall’s Defense Stifles Kansas State in 78–67 Loss at Bramlage Coliseum

PJ Haggerty dribbles down the court. Courtesy: Zoe Taylor

The K-State basketball team huddles at midcourt. Courtesy: Zoe Taylor

A K-State basketball shoots the ball. Courtesy: Zoe Taylor

Collin Klein waves to the crowd as he walks onto the court during halftime. Courtesy: Zoe Taylor

The DOOM sheet is held up by students over the student section. Course: Zoe Taylor

It wasn’t a tournament game, but the atmosphere inside Bramlage Coliseum on Saturday felt like one. A season-best crowd of more than 9,100 fans, many arriving early to witness the introduction of new football coach Collin Klein, packed the arena hoping to see Kansas State end a three-game skid. Instead, they watched one of the nation’s top defensive teams impose its will. 

Seton Hall entered the matchup ranked among the nation’s leaders in scoring defense, blocks, steals, and turnover margin, and the Pirates lived up to every bit of their reputation. Kansas State struggled to find rhythm all afternoon, shooting season lows from the field, from three, and at the free-throw line. In the end, 16 Wildcat turnovers and 20 missed free throws proved to be a hole too deep to climb out of, as Seton Hall left Manhattan with a 78–67 win. 

First Half 

The Wildcats struck first with a dunk from Nate Johnson, but the early momentum didn’t last. Seton Hall responded with back-to-back threes and built an 11–5 lead, applying the kind of disruptive pressure that has defined their season. 

Kansas State found a spark when 7-foot-2 center Dorin Buca checked in midway through the half. His energy helped fuel a 10–2 run that tied the game at 22, forcing a timeout from Seton Hall head coach Shaheen Holloway. The teams traded baskets over the next few possessions, but turnovers and missed free throws continued to haunt the Wildcats. 

With the score tied at 26, Seton Hall strung together eight straight points, led by Elijah Fisher’s driving finish and a pair of jumpers from Adam Clark. Kansas State tried to stay within striking distance, but the Pirates closed the half with a 35–29 lead, helped by an 11–0 advantage in points off turnovers. 

Despite shooting just 32% from the field, K-State remained within reach thanks to strong offensive rebounding and improved shot selection late in the half. Still, Seton Hall’s defensive pressure was the story, as the Pirates consistently turned Wildcat mistakes into points. 

Second Half 

Any hope of a quick K-State surge out of halftime evaporated when Seton Hall opened the half with a 9–2 run, stretching the lead to 44–31 and prompting an early timeout from Jerome Tang. The Pirates continued to generate scoring from transition and second-chance opportunities, eventually going up by 16 with 13 minutes to play. 

Kansas State battled back, using a 10–2 run to trim the deficit to eight. David Castillo and Khamari McGriff provided energy on both ends, and the Wildcats briefly looked poised to make it a game. But every time K-State threatened, Seton Hall answered with timely baskets, including a 9–0 burst that pushed the margin to 17 and effectively sealed the outcome. 

The Wildcats never got closer than eight the rest of the way, undone by turnovers, missed open looks, and costly trips to the line. 

 

Back to Business 

All five Kansas State starters scored in double figures for the first time this season, led by McGriff with 12 points, eight rebounds, and three blocks. Bashir, Haggerty, and Johnson each added 11, while Castillo chipped in 10 in his second straight start. Buca delivered his best all-around performance of the season with seven rebounds and three blocks. 

But the numbers told the story: 15-for-35 from the free-throw line, 6-for-30 from deep, and just seven points off turnovers compared to Seton Hall’s 22. 

Jerome Tang noted after the game that he was pleased with the team’s effort, even if the execution lagged. He emphasized that the Wildcats are still growing offensively as opponents adjust to their tendencies, and he believes the shooting struggles will correct themselves with continued work.