For the first time since 1940, the Wildcats and Pirates met again — and the outcome didn’t change. Seton Hall’s defense paved the way for a 78-67 win on Dec. 6, 2025, pushing the all-time series to 2-0.

The environment in Bramlage Coliseum was instantly electric, as guard P.J. Haggerty threw an alley oop to teammate Nate Johnson on the first possession of the game. Seton Hall would start hot from the arc, though, draining three triples within the first five minutes of regulation.

Seton Hall has been known for its strong defense this season — ranking eighth in scoring defense and fourth in blocks — and it would show as K-State struggled to get points in the paint, forcing them to rely on threes. The Wildcats, however, also struggled early from the perimeter, shooting 1-6 from three.

About halfway through the first half, center Dorin Buca checked into the game for the Wildcats and made an immediate impact. Buca scored frequently in the paint and provided the defense K-State needed, snatching two blocks. Following Buca’s heroics, guard David Castillo brought Bramlage back to life when he nailed a three-pointer to tie the game at 22 apiece. 

At halftime, however, Seton Hall led 35-29. In the first half, the Pirates finished with 11 points off turnovers compared to the Wildcats’ zero. Seton Hall’s ability to score off steals, as well as K-State’s free-throw and inside scoring issues, gave the Pirates the upper hand going into halftime.

While the usual halftime features music from the Cat Band and fans waiting in line at concession stands, this one was special. Seats stayed full as brand new K-State head football coach Collin Klein addressed the exhilarated fans.

Wyatt Thompson, the voice of the Wildcats, shook hands, hugged and interviewed Klein while standing on the Powercat logo.

“It will end when I see a full Bill Snyder stadium, a full student section doing the wabash and getting ready to go,” Klein said.

Klein’s remarks energized the audience and set the men’s basketball team to continue fighting Seton Hall in the second half.

The Pirates came out firing on all cylinders, though, going on a 4-1 run to grow their lead to 44-31. Things continued to go downhill for the Wildcats, as a technical foul was called on K-State head coach Jerome Tang, who angrily walked onto the court after a physical turnover by Haggerty.

“I got to stand up for my guys,” Tang said. “He’s not getting protected when he’s clearly being hit.”

The shooting struggles continued for the Wildcats in the second, as 10 minutes into the half, K-State was shooting 1-8 from three and 2-9 from free throw range. Despite their struggles, the Wildcats brought the lead to single digits, 62-54, with 05:53 remaining in the game.

The momentum slowly started to slip away once again, however, as Seton Hall would not let off their defensive gas pedal. K-State ended up going on a 4-1 run of their own with a minute of regulation left, but the damage was already done. Seton Hall would win 78-67, marking the Wildcats’ fourth loss in a row.

“They scored 22 to our seven on points off turnovers, and we missed 20 free throws,” Tang said. “That wasn’t a lack of effort, lack of care, just a lack of execution.” 

Haggerty, who leads K-State in scoring, was held to 11 points, along with guard Abdi Bashir Jr., who finished with 11 as well. Forward Khamari McGriff finished with a team-leading 12 points, and Buca finished with three blocks, seven rebounds and five points.

The Wildcats will look to break their losing streak as they face Mississippi Valley State in Bramlage at 7 p.m. on Dec 8.