Pirates Return to Walsh to Face Xavier

Published: Saturday, February 8, 2025

by Patrick Corsello

SOUTH ORANGE, N.J. - After coming off a loss to Creighton on Wednesday, the Seton Hall Pirates (16-6. 8-3) look to bounce back Saturday as they take on the Xavier Musketeers (6-17, 1-11) at home in Walsh Gymnasium.  

Savannah Catalon is officially back in the mix, as she is averaging double digits consistently since coming back from injury. The trio of Catalon, Masonius, and Eads has propelled the Pirates’ offense to new height, and this team looks to continue this offensive trend heading into Saturday's matchup.  

The Pirates’ last game didn’t go as planned, as they lost to Creighton 72-56 on the road. Despite the loss, Savannah Catalon once again put up double digits with 11 points and was perfect at the free throw line. Kaydan Lawson was also a bright spot in this game, tallying 11 points herself in her best offensive performance of the season. If the Pirates can get this type of offense from Lawson vs. Xavier, they could be in even better shape.  

SHU has been outstanding at home, posting a record of 11-2 to this point when playing at Walsh. This will be the team's first crack at the Xavier Musketeers this season, who currently sit with just one conference victory; Xavier’s win came against the Butler Bulldogs last month at home.  

The Pirates will be the heavy favorites heading into this game, and there is a chance that we could see the bench used a lot more than most games if things get out of hand in the Pirates favor.  

Of course, to get there, Seton Hall’s stars must play the same brand of basketball that they've been playing since Catalon returned. The dynamic trio of Catalon, Masonius, and Eads seemed to have clicked in a very short period of time. All three players have consistently put up double figures since the win against St. Johns when Catalon returned.  

Something to remember is that before her injury, we’ve only seen small glimpses of this “big 3.” Jada Eads was able to fill the hole that Catalon left, and before that, Eads was not getting as much playing time as she does now.  

With the Musketeers being 1-11, there aren’t many top players that the Pirates need to lock down, but one does stand out. That is the Finnish freshman guard Meri Kanerva. Kanerva is averaging 10.1 points per game as well as the most minutes on the team.  

Pregame coverage on 89.5 FM WSOU begins at 1:30 p.m., with Joe Morales and Christopher Heite breaking down the matchup. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m., with A.J. Rayer and Victor Gonzalez on the call from Walsh Gymnasium.  

Patrick Corsello is an Assistant Music Director and can be reached at patrick.corsello@student.shu.edu. 

 

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