Pirates Earn Gritty Win at Xavier in Physical Game

Published: Thursday, February 19, 2026

by Michela DiLorenzo

CINCINNATI, O.H. – The Seton Hall Pirates (17-8, 11-5 CONF) created a win streak of two after their win against the Xavier Musketeers (11-4, 4-12 CONF) in Cincinnati on Wednesday, with a final score of 64-55 down-to-the-wire game.

The Musketeers started off strong, with junior Mariyah Noel getting the first points of the game. Sophomore Mackenzie Givens raked in 19 points and seven rebounds across the game, and sophomore Meri Kanerva brought in nine points with two rebounds.

Jordana Codio was the Hall’s star scorer, posting 22 points and six rebounds. Savannah Catalon trailed behind Cordio with 19 points and five rebounds. Senior Mariana Venezuela carried 12 points with 10 rebounds.

The Pirates brought great energy into this game, ending the first quarter with a five-point lead. Xavier slowly built their momentum in the second quarter, tightening the gap. At this time, sophomore Ja’Kahla Craft slipped and fell diving for a loose ball, causing her to exit the contest.

The Pirates scrambled to keep up their original energy, allowing Xavier to gain 14 points in the third quarter. The physicality of the game continued to weigh on the Pirates, however, as shortly after, Mariana Valenzuela was forced to temporarily exit as well.

A Xavier player fell onto the leg of the Pirates’ star forward, causing her to take an awkward fall. Nonetheless, Valenzuela was able to return in the fourth quarter.

Her return was timely, as the Pirates were stuck at a stalemate in the fourth quarter. They found themselves on the wrong end of a 12-0 run until Catalon made a layup for Seton Hall with just under three minutes left in the final quarter. The Hall picked up speed and finished off the game with a 64-55 win.

The Pirates will now head back to South Orange to host the St. John’s this Sunday at Walsh Gymnasium, looking for revenge after their loss in January to the Red Storm. You can catch the game on 89.5 FM WSOU with Joe Morales and Christian Oliveri on the call at 1:00 P.M.

Michela DiLorenzo can be reached at michela.dilorenzo@student.shu.edu 

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