Seton Hall’s women’s basketball squad returned from their difficult Omaha trip to defeat Xavier, 72-47.
Like their last win over Butler, the Pirates rode this game on the back of their defense, which forced 30 or more turnovers for the first time since 2020. However, Savannah Catalon shone even among an incredible team performance as she tied an all-time Big East-high 11 steals, including seven in the third quarter alone.
In the process, Catalon also set the Pirates’ single-season record for steals, and recorded a game-high 17 points in just 28 minutes.
Faith Masonius epitomized the second half as she smiled while waiting on the low block for a pass that she would ultimately turn into two of her 16 points.
Amari Wright, fresh off becoming the program’s all-time leader in games played, served as the team’s prime facilitator with eight of the squad’s 16 assists.
The Pirates won the rebounding battle 29-26, with Yaya Lops picking up a game-high eight boards.
Despite the 25-point margin and the fact the Pirates never trailed, this game was in serious doubt with Seton Hall in front of the six-win Musketeers by only six points at halftime. London native Loren Christie and perimeter ace Aizhanique Mayo each recorded nine points in the first half, but only picked up three apiece after the break.
The Musketeers’ bench outscored that of the Pirates 32-15, but did so out of necessity, as Tae’lor Purvis fouled out in the 3rd quarter, and Christie went to halftime with three fouls of her own. Xavier kept alive thanks to the three-point ball as they went four of eight from downtown, although the Pirates kept disciplined, going nearly the entire first quarter without letting the Musketeers reach the free throw line.
Xavier ultimately only got to the line 11 times, half that of the Pirates, who made 16 of their 22 attempts.
The Pirates remain at home to battle Marquette on Wednesday at 7:00 PM.