NEWARK, N.J. (Interstat) — A dominant first-quarter performance by Seton Hall proved too much for Washington State to overcome as the Pirates secured a 74-65 victory in a nonconference women’s basketball game Tuesday night at Prudential Center.

The most important part of the game was its opening ten minutes, where Seton Hall established a commanding lead from which Washington State never recovered. The Pirates erupted for 30 points in the first quarter, capitalizing on a flurry of Cougar turnovers and missed shots to build a 20-point advantage before the game was even a quarter old.

Seton Hall’s defensive pressure was immediate, forcing two Washington State turnovers on the Cougars’ first two possessions, which the Pirates converted into quick baskets. Zahara Bishop and Savannah Catalon spearheaded the early onslaught, combining for 13 points in the period as Seton Hall shot efficiently and controlled the glass. Washington State, meanwhile, managed just 10 points on 4-of-15 shooting and committed five turnovers, digging a 30-10 hole.

The Cougars, showing resilience, spent the remainder of the game chipping away at the deficit. They won the second quarter 19-14 and the fourth quarter 19-13, repeatedly cutting the lead to single digits in the second half behind the play of Eleonora Villa and Keandra Koorits. Each time Washington State threatened, however, Seton Hall had an answer, often from Bishop or a timely three-pointer.

A key sequence came early in the fourth quarter. After Washington State’s Lauren Glazier scored to trim the Seton Hall lead to 61-55, the Pirates responded with a 7-0 run, capped by a Savannah Catalon three-pointer, to push the margin back to 13 and effectively seal the game with just over three minutes remaining.

Bishop led all scorers with 19 points for Seton Hall, adding five rebounds and two steals. Catalon finished with 15 points, while Jada Eads contributed 13 points and four assists. The Pirates improved to 7-3 on the season.

For Washington State, which fell to 1-11, Villa recorded a team-high 17 points and dished out five assists. Koorits added 14 points and Glazier provided 12 points off the bench. Charlotte Abraham also reached double figures with 10 points.

Statistically, Seton Hall’s advantage at the free-throw line was decisive. The Pirates made 15 of 17 attempts, while Washington State attempted only six, making four. Seton Hall also forced 14 Cougar turnovers, converting them into 18 points, and held a 13-11 edge in offensive rebounds.

Washington State continues its East Coast trip at Penn on Friday. Seton Hall opens Big East Conference play at Villanova, also on Friday.