Seton Hall women's basketball picked up another important BIG EAST win on Saturday afternoon, beating DePaul 86–77 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago. The victory improved the Pirates to 13–5 overall and 7–2 in conference play, while the Blue Devils fell to 4–16 overall and 1–8 in the BIG EAST.
The game was close for most of the afternoon, with both teams trading baskets and momentum. There were 18 lead changes throughout the game, but SHU made the key plays in the second half to pull away. The Pirates shot 47.3% (26-for-55) from the field and made 10 three-pointers, helping them score 86 points on the road. This was by far the best offensive game for the Pirates in the new calendar year.
Sophomore guard Jada Eads was forced to leave the game early after suffering an injury and did not return. Just over three minutes into the game, Eads went down holding her knee and was unable to get up on her own. She was helped off the court and taken to the locker room, and SHU later ruled her out for the rest of the game.
Head coach Anthony Bozzella has praised Eads all season for her toughness and for playing through injuries. Given how strong Eads has been throughout the year, the hope is that the injury is not serious and that she can bounce back and return to the lineup soon.
Senior guard Jordana Codio led the Pirates once again. She finished with 22 points, six rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks in 35 minutes of play. The Texas transfer was aggressive all game and did a great job attacking the basket and drawing fouls. Codio also went 9-for-12 (75%) from the free throw line, which helped SHU stay in control late.
Freshman guard Zahara Bishop continued her strong play with the best performance of her collegiate career. She finished with a career high 21 points on 8-for-10 (80%) shooting and knocked down 3-of-4 four from deep, including the dagger with just over two minutes to go. Bishop provided a big spark in the second quarter, when SHU began to find its rhythm on offense. Her shooting helped stretch DePaul’s defense and gave the Pirates confidence heading into halftime.
The third quarter remained tight, but a key 12–0 run helped SHU create separation. The Pirates pushed their lead to double digits and never fully let DePaul back into the game. SHU also did a solid job defensively, forcing 22 turnovers, which they turned into points on the other end.
Junior guard Savannah Catalon had a standout performance of her own, leading all scorers with 24 points. Catalon hit four three-pointers and was once again perfect from the free throw line, going 10-for-10 just like she did on Wednesday against Marquette. Her ability to draw contact and finish at the line was especially important in the fourth quarter, as SHU closed out the game. Catalon also added four rebounds, three assists, and two steals for another great all around game from the Pirates star guard.
Overall, it was a balanced team effort for SHU, with strong guard play, all around efficient shooting and good execution, especially in the second half. The Pirates led for nearly 25 minutes of game time and built a lead as large as 15 points in the fourth quarter.
With the win, SHU continued to add to their dominance in the BIG EAST so far this season. The Pirates have now won three straight conference games and continue to show growth as the season moves forward.
SHU will return home for their next game on Jan. 20, when they host the Providence Friars (10-10, 3-6 BIG EAST) at Walsh Gymnasium.
Jaden Highsmith is the assistant editor of The Setonian’s Sports section. He can be reached at jaden.highsmith@student.shu.edu.
