Catalon, Pinkney Career Performances, Get Back in Win Column 59-53

Published: Tuesday, December 3, 2024

by Darren Worrell

SOUTH ORANGE, N.J – The Seton Hall Pirates (5-2) secured a thrilling 59-53 victory over the San Francisco Dons (2-4) on Monday evening at Historic Walsh Gymnasium. The game stayed tight until the very end, keeping fans locked in throughout. While some key players faced challenges during the game, it was sophomore guard Savannah Catalon and junior forward Shailyn Pinkney who stepped up to lead the Pirates to victory.

The first half was a back-and-forth battle between both teams, but the Pirates came out with a clear focus. After their most recent tough loss to USC, they had much to improve on, particularly in rebounding, after being outrebounded 56-27. Another area they needed to address was finding a secondary scoring option; they accomplished that and then some.  

With San Francisco successfully limiting the Pirates' leading scorer this season, Faith Masonius, to just two points in the first half (and six for the game) and Yaya Lops scoreless, other players stepped up. Catalon, Pinkney, Ja-Kahla Craft, and Jada Eads all made key contributions, showing that the Pirates had multiple scoring options and could still thrive despite the challenge.

Catalon scored 14 of her career-high 26 points in the first half, including four of her six three-pointers. She was on fire, and the Dons’ closeouts were consistently too late, with no solid answer for her as she found her rhythm and let loose. Shaylin Pinkney, another key contributor, scored eight of her career-high 14 points in the first half. She took full advantage of open lanes, attacking the basket and getting to the free-throw line with ease.

In the second half, the Dons gained momentum and came out with increased pressure, pressing the Pirates from the start and forcing them into uncomfortable situations. San Francisco relied heavily on three-point shooting, with their top shooter Trawally Porta scoring 10 of her 15 points in the second half, including two three-pointers. Elle Papahronis also had a strong performance, adding nine points and two three-pointers of her own. The Dons put the Pirates in foul trouble, frequently getting to the free-throw line and keeping the game close.

With the score at 55-53 in favor of the Pirates, the Dons committed late fouls, just as they did in their previous game against Boise State. Catalon stepped up to the free-throw line, knocking down four clutch free throws in back-to-back possessions, sealing the Pirates' narrow victory.

While rebounding remained an issue for the Pirates, the performances of Catalon and Pinkney helped offset that. Though they were the leading scorers, the win was a true team effort, with contributions from several players. It was a much-needed victory for the Pirates.

With this win, Seton Hall turns its attention to Friday’s game against the Howard Bison, right back at home in Walsh Gymnasium. 

Darren Worrell can be reached at darren.worrell@student.shu.edu. 

 

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