SOUTH ORANGE, N.J. — Freshman Zahara Bishop delivered a breakout performance Tuesday night, powering the Seton Hall Pirates to a 74–65 win over the Washington State Cougars to wrap up non-conference play.
Bishop posted career highs with 19 points and 10 rebounds for her first collegiate double-double, setting the tone for a Seton Hall team that controlled the game from the opening tip. The Pirates never trailed and built a commanding lead behind a dominant first quarter, outscoring Washington State 30–10.
Seton Hall’s advantage swelled to as many as 25 points midway through the third quarter before Washington State mounted a late push that briefly made things interesting. Still, the Pirates responded down the stretch, knocking down key free throws to seal the victory.
Savannah Catalon added 15 points for Seton Hall, while Jada Eads contributed 13 points, seven rebounds, and four assists in a well-rounded effort. Mariana Valenzuela chipped in eight points and five boards, Jordana Codio finished with seven points and six rebounds, and Ja’Kahla Craft added seven points off the bench.
The Pirates burst out of the gates with a relentless 14–0 run, holding Washington State scoreless for more than four minutes. Seton Hall shot an impressive 68.4 percent in the opening quarter, creating early separation and carrying a 30–10 advantage into the second period.
Washington State responded with a 10–2 run early in the second quarter to trim the margin, but Seton Hall regrouped and closed the half strong, heading into intermission with a 44–29 lead.
The Pirates again came out firing after halftime, opening the third quarter on a 10–0 surge capped by a Bishop layup that made it 54–29. A shooting lull allowed the Cougars to claw back into contention, cutting the deficit to 59–44 late in the third.
Washington State continued to press in the fourth quarter and eventually pulled within three points at 68–65 with just over a minute remaining. Catalon calmly answered at the free-throw line, and Seton Hall closed the game from the stripe to secure the win.
With the victory, Seton Hall heads into conference play with momentum, highlighted by a balanced lineup and a promising performance from its freshman standout.
