Pirates Travel to Cincinnati looking for Season Sweep of Xavier

Published: Wednesday, February 18, 2026

by Michela DiLorenzo

CINCINNATI, O.H. – The Seton Hall Pirates (17-8, 11-5 CONF) travel to Cincinnati to face the Xavier Musketeers (11-14, 4-12 CONF) on Wednesday evening, looking to extend their winning streak after their success over the DePaul Blue Demons.

The Pirates are hungry for another win after they defeated the DePaul Blue Demons 96-72 on Valentine’s Day. Seton Hall is currently third in the BIG EAST while DePaul sits at seventh. 

Seton Hall’s Ja’kahla Craft set a new career-high in scoring, leading the Pirates with 26 points and four rebounds. Jordana Cordio had a strong performance as well with 17 points and 10 rebounds. 

Sophomore forward Natiah Nelson led DePaul with a career-high 21 points on 56 percent from the field, ending capping the day off with five rebounds and five assists. Devin Hagemann added 16 points for her fifth double-digit performance of the season. Gina Davorija, Meg Newman and Shakara McCline each chipped in eight points each.

The Pirates ended the game in a fiery finish, going 10-13 down the stretch to secure the 96-72 victory. 

In their previous game, the Pirates defeated the Marquette Golden Eagles 70-58 at the Al McGuire Center in Milwaukee on February 11. Marquette currently sits at ninth in the BIG EAST. 

The Golden Eagles started off strong, dominating 23-17 in the first quarter. Freshman Zahara Bishop led with 20 points in the game on an efficient 6-for-9 shooting. Senior Mariana Valenzuela scored 19 points on the strength of 5-10 shooting from the three-point range. 

The Pirates used a 12-0 run to wrap up the third quarter and gain an advantage over the Golden Eagles, fueling their successful second half and ultimate victory over Marquette. 

Craft ended the night with seven points and a career-high 11 rebounds. Savannah Catalon had 11 points and seven rebounds.

Looking back at their last matchup against Xavier at Historic Walsh Gymnasium, The Hall won 75-55 on December 28th, 2025.

Junior Savannah Catalon scored a game-high 24 points. Senior Mariana Valenzuela drew up 16 points with a game-high 10 rebounds and three blocks for her second career double-double. 

The teams battled back and forth for dominance until Seton Hall outscored Xavier, 26-12, in the fourth quarter.

Seton Hall will hit the court again on Wednesday, February 18 in Cincinnati, Ohio to take on their BIG EAST rival Xavier. Tipoff is set for 6:30 P.M. with Lauren Reese and Ryan Nelke on the call for 89.5 FM WSOU.

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

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