NEWARK, N.J. (Interstat) — In a marathon contest that required two overtime periods to decide a winner, the Seton Hall Pirates outlasted the Fordham Rams 90-83 in a non-conference women’s basketball thriller on Thursday night at Prudential Center.

The game was a tale of contrasting strengths, with Fordham’s offensive efficiency inside the arc and Seton Hall’s relentless pressure defense and parade to the free-throw line ultimately defining the outcome. The Pirates, who entered the game as overwhelming favorites according to predictive metrics, saw their perfect start to the season continue, improving to 4-0. Fordham, despite a heroic individual effort, fell to an even 3-3.

The contest was a back-and-forth affair from the opening tip. Seton Hall established an early lead, closing the first quarter with a 21-16 advantage behind the sharp shooting of Mariana Valenzuela, who connected on a pair of three-pointers. Fordham responded in the second quarter, chipping away at the deficit to trail by just three points, 36-33, at the halftime break.

The Rams carried that momentum into the second half, eventually taking a lead in the third quarter. The teams traded baskets and stops throughout the fourth quarter, with neither able to secure a decisive advantage, sending the game into overtime tied at 72-72.

The first overtime period was a defensive struggle, with both teams managing only five points apiece. The deadlock set the stage for a decisive second overtime, where the Pirates finally seized control.

Seton Hall’s depth and composure shone through in the final five-minute period. The Pirates opened the second overtime on a 7-0 run, fueled by a Savannah Catalon three-pointer and a clutch triple from Messiah Hunter, to build a commanding 85-79 lead. Fordham, visibly fatigued from the extended play, could not mount a final comeback as Seton Hall sealed the victory at the free-throw line.

The statistical sheet highlighted the game’s central conflict. Fordham was the more efficient shooting team, converting 43.1 percent of its field goals compared to Seton Hall’s 32.4 percent. The Rams also dominated scoring in the paint, outscoring the Pirates 42-24.

However, Seton Hall’s aggressive defense and ability to draw fouls proved to be the difference. The Pirates forced 23 Fordham turnovers, converting them into 28 points, while committing only 13 turnovers of their own. The most staggering disparity came at the charity stripe. Seton Hall attempted 45 free throws, making 32, while Fordham went to the line just 20 times, converting 13.

The individual battle was headlined by a spectacular performance from Fordham’s Alexis Black. The guard from Washington, D.C., played 47 minutes and poured in a game-high 42 points, carrying the offensive load for the Rams throughout regulation and the overtimes. She was supported by Ugne Sirtautaite of Kaunas, Lithuania, who added 15 points.

Seton Hall countered with a more balanced offensive attack. Mariana Valenzuela, from Mazatlan, Mexico, led the Pirates with 21 points, while Savannah Catalon of Mansfield, Texas, scored 20. Jada Eads, from Orlando, Florida, provided a crucial spark off the bench with 16 points.

The victory extends Seton Hall’s unbeaten streak as they prepare for a challenging road test at Princeton on Tuesday, December 2. Fordham, meanwhile, will look to rebound at home against Manhattan on Sunday, November 23. The announced attendance for the thrilling double-overtime contest was 689.