LAS VEGAS (Interstat) — In a commanding performance at Michelob Ultra Arena on Friday, the Creighton women’s basketball team secured a decisive 86-62 victory over Northern Arizona, snapping a two-game skid and finding their offensive rhythm in a dominant second half.

The Bluejays, who improved to 2-4 overall, were led by a spectacular scoring outburst from sophomore Neleigh Gessert. The Omaha native poured in a game-high 25 points, including five three-pointers, and added four rebounds and two blocks in just 25 minutes of action. Her performance was the catalyst for a third-quarter explosion that put the game out of reach.

After a blistering start that saw them take a 24-10 lead after the first quarter, Creighton’s offense went cold in the second period, managing only seven points. Northern Arizona capitalized, outscoring the Bluejays 17-7 to cut the deficit to 31-27 at halftime.

Any hopes of a Lumberjacks comeback were swiftly extinguished in the third quarter. Creighton erupted for 33 points, nearly matching their entire first-half output. The Bluejays’ ball movement was exceptional, and their shooting, particularly from beyond the arc, proved devastating. The period was a showcase for Gessert and the team’s offensive cohesion, turning a narrow four-point lead into a comfortable 64-42 advantage heading into the final frame.

While Gessert provided the scoring punch, she was far from alone. The Bluejays displayed a balanced and efficient attack. Allison Heathcock of Edmond, Oklahoma, contributed 15 points, six rebounds and three assists. The frontcourt duo of Ava Zediker and Grace Boffeli controlled the glass, with Zediker notching a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds to go with four assists, and Boffeli pulling down a game-high 11 rebounds to go with seven points.

The engine of the Creighton offense, however, was point guard Kennedy Townsend. The Kansas City, Missouri, native dished out eight assists, orchestrated the offense with precision and added seven points. Elizabeth Gentry also reached double figures with 11 points.

Northern Arizona, which fell to 1-7, was led by the dynamic JBionna Robinson. The guard from Stonecrest, Georgia, fought hard for a team-high 19 points and five rebounds. Simone Morris added 13 points and four rebounds for the Lumberjacks, while Naomi White, facing her hometown team from Omaha, finished with nine points, four rebounds and three assists.

Despite the loss, Northern Arizona managed to outscore Creighton in the paint, 32-30, and scored 14 points off turnovers compared to Creighton’s 10. However, they could not counter the Bluejays’ torrid three-point shooting and the decisive third-quarter run.

The game was part of a multi-team event in Las Vegas. Creighton entered the contest coming off a 76-67 loss at UNLV two days prior, while Northern Arizona was defeated 79-60 by Northern Iowa on the same day.

The victory provides a significant momentum boost for Creighton as they look ahead to Big East Conference play. Their next contest is on the road against Saint John’s on Dec. 4. Northern Arizona will continue its challenging non-conference schedule on the road at Saint Thomas (Minn.) on Dec. 3.