By J.J. Pavlick | March 8, 2026 | Uncasville, CT
Villanova set the tone early in the Villanova vs Seton Hall BIG EAST semifinal, exploding to a 12–0 start and never looking back in a 62–48 win that sends the Wildcats to Monday’s championship game.
Villanova vs Seton Hall BIG EAST Semifinal Opens With a 12–0 Avalanche
The Wildcats came out with urgency and precision. Jasmine Bascoe scored seven early points as the Wildcats forced seven turnovers in the first three minutes.
Head coach Denise Dillon said the opening run changed everything.
“That 12–0 start was a huge energy boost,” Dillon said. “It gave our young group confidence in a big environment.”
Seton Hall head coach Tony Bozzella agreed.
“Villanova came out flying. They capitalized on every mistake we made early,” he said.
Villanova’s Defense Controls the First Half
The Wildcats forced 10 first‑half turnovers and turned them into 17 points. Seton Hall fought back with a 9–0 run to cut the deficit to 36–25 at halftime.
Bozzella pointed to the adversity his team faced entering the Villanova vs Seton Hall BIG EAST semifinal.
“We’re an NCAA Tournament team, but we lost our starting point guard and Ja’Kayla Craft. Savannah’s playing on a broken leg. These kids have fought through everything.”
McCurry’s Comeback Powers Villanova
BIG EAST Most Improved Player Brynn McCurry delivered 16 points.
“My freshman year I was coming off an ACL injury,” McCurry said. “This year I had time, support, and confidence.”
Dillon said the team’s belief formed early.
“The win at West Virginia was the turning point,” she said.
Seton Hall Shows Heart Despite Injuries
Savannah Catalon, playing through a broken leg, refused to quit.
“Yeah, it sucks to lose. I’m a winner,” Catalon said. “But I’m grateful we get to keep playing. My teammates make the game fun.”
Bozzella added:
“We earned a postseason bid. Only 32 teams get that. I’m proud of them.”
Villanova Regains Control After Halftime
Villanova opened the third quarter shooting 7‑for‑10 to push the lead to 51–30. Seton Hall responded with a 9–0 run, but a seven‑minute scoring drought in the fourth quarter sealed the outcome.
Looking Ahead: Villanova vs UConn for the BIG EAST Title
Villanova led UConn at halftime in their last meeting — the only time the Huskies have trailed at the break all season.
Guard Lucy Olsen said that matters.
“We showed we can compete with anyone,” she said.
Dillon emphasized the challenge.
“To beat UConn, you have to be your absolute best for four quarters,” she said.
Final Score
Villanova 62, Seton Hall 48
Stat Leaders
- Villanova: McCurry 16, Bascoe 15
- Seton Hall: Bishop 13, Codio 13
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