Pirates Claim Overtime Victory Over Hoyas, 74-71

Published: Saturday, January 4, 2025

by Nick Powell

SOUTH ORANGE, N.J. - It was a BIG EAST conference classic at Walsh Gymnasium on Wednesday night, as the Seton Hall women’s basketball team battled the Georgetown Hoyas in an electrifying overtime contest, coming out on top 74-71. This thrilling victory came just days after the Pirates’ heart-stopping buzzer-beating win at Villanova. Still, the energy in the gym was just as intense, as Seton Hall returned home to continue their dominant start to the conference season.

The game had all the drama fans could hope for, with both teams refusing to back down, and trading blows throughout. The Pirates were led by an incredible performance from freshman sensation Jada Eads, who took over in overtime and powered Seton Hall to victory with a game-high 27 points. Eads displayed poise beyond her years, hitting key shots when her team needed them most and delivering in clutch moments.

But the Hoyas did not make it easy for Seton Hall. Georgetown’s Victoria Rivera was absolutely on fire, scoring 26 points and going a scorching six of eight from beyond the arc. Rivera’s game-tying three-pointer as time expired in regulation sent the contest into overtime, providing an exclamation point on an impressive shooting performance. But in the end, the Pirates’ depth and resolve proved too much for the Hoyas to overcome.

Joining Eads in the spotlight for Seton Hall was senior forward Yaya Lops, who achieved a major career milestone on this historic night. Lops scored 17 points, including several crucial baskets during the game’s final stretches. Her performance was even more remarkable considering she reached the 1,000-point mark in her career.  

Also playing a key role in the win was Faith Masonius, whose all-around contribution kept Seton Hall on track. The foward finished with 21 points, six rebounds, and six assists, providing an invaluable presence on both ends of the floor. Masonius was instrumental in driving the offense, finding teammates in ideal positions and being a steadying influence during critical stretches of the game. Her versatility was on full display, helping Seton Hall recover after Georgetown had made a late push to tie the game.

As the clock wound down, Seton Hall found themselves locked in a tightly contested overtime period, but it was freshman Eads who took over. She scored key buckets down the stretch, including a crucial three-pointer with less than a minute left, to keep the Pirates ahead and seal the victory. Eads' performance in the extra period underscored why she has quickly become one of the most exciting young players in the BIG EAST.

But Georgetown’s resilient effort could not be overlooked. The Hoyas had multiple chances to secure the win, with Rivera's game-tying three keeping hope alive for the visitors. Despite their best efforts, they fell just short, as Seton Hall’s late-game execution shone through.

The victory improves Seton Hall to a perfect 4-0 in conference play, the first time in program history they have ever started out so, and extends their home court win streak at Walsh Gym. The Pirates, now ranked among the top teams in the conference, have shown an incredible level of depth and poise early in the season. This dramatic win only adds to the belief that Seton Hall is a legitimate contender this year.

Next up for the Pirates is a showdown against Creighton next Saturday, where Seton Hall will look to stay undefeated in conference play. The Bluejays provide another notable tough challenge for the Pirates, but with the way Seton Hall has been playing – fueled by standout performances from players like Eads, Lops, and Masonius – there’s every reason to believe they can continue their strong run.

After such a thrilling, hard-fought win over Georgetown, the excitement surrounding Seton Hall basketball has reached fever pitch. They will try to keep the momentum going against Creighton at home next Saturday. Tipoff is at 12:00 p.m., with Lauren Reese and Patrick Corsello on the call, and pregame coverage beginning at 11:30 a.m.

Nick Powell can be reached at nick.powell@student.shu.edu. 

 

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