Pirates Season Concludes After Loss to Portland, 61-55

Published: Monday, March 24, 2025

by Michael Bellifemini

SOUTH ORANGE, N.J. – The Seton Hall Pirates (23-10, 13-5) had their season come to an end on Sunday afternoon, after falling to the Portland Pilots (31-4, 17-3) at Walsh Gymnasium in the second round of the WBIT, 61-55.  

The Pirates got out to a hot start, leading 14-7 not even halfway into the opening quarter, fueled by two three pointers by Yaya Lops. Portland struggled from deep to start the game, beginning 0-7 as a team from behind the arc. However, the Pilots were able to stay in contention because of timely offensive rebounds and free throws, as they trailed Seton Hall by five points heading into halftime.  

The second quarter saw defense shine as opposed to the first quarter, as the Pirates forced seven Portland turnovers and both teams combined for only 21 points. After trailing by seven early in the third quarter, Portland went on a 7-0 run to tie the game, but Seton Hall pulled back ahead by three going into the final quarter.  

The Pirates once again found themselves surging on offense as Jada Eads knocked down a three with 5:33 to go in regulation to put the Pirates back up seven as Eads scored 13 of her 18 points in the second half while adding 10 rebounds for her second straight double-double performance.  

However, this would be Seton Hall’s final field goal of the game, as they went cold down the stretch where they saw Portland fight back once again. Portland utilized a 15-1 run to stun the Pirates and win to advance to the quarterfinal where they will take on Villanova.  

Aside from Eads, two other Pirates ended in double figures; Lops finished with 13 points and Catalon scored 10 before fouling out in the dying seconds of the game. Another Pirate who fouled out in the fourth quarter was Faith Masonius, after she was hit with a couple of controversial calls on offensive possessions. Masonius concluded her collegiate career with seven points as she battled nagging injuries towards the end of the season. She still managed to start and play regularly in every Pirates game this season.  

The preseason BIG EAST women’s basketball poll had the Pirates ranked in seventh place, and they clearly exceeded expectations this season. They finished third in the conference, advanced to the BIG EAST Tournament semifinals, and the second round of the Women’s Basketball Invitation Tournament.

The future does look bright in South Orange, and now Coach Bozzella and his staff will head into the offseason looking to build on this impressive year. They hope to bring back key pieces of their core for next season, while bringing in fresh faces to take over for graduating seniors. 

Michael Bellifemini is an Assistant Sports Director and can be reached at michael.bellifemini@student.shu.edu. 

 

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