OMAHA, Neb. (Interstat) — In a commanding display of offensive efficiency and defensive pressure, the Creighton Bluejays delivered a decisive 81-51 victory over the Saint John’s Red Storm in a Big East Conference women’s basketball game Wednesday night at CHI Health Center.

The game, played before an announced crowd of 735, was effectively decided in a dominant third-quarter surge by the home team. Leading 41-25 at halftime, Creighton erupted for 28 points in the third period while holding Saint John’s to 13, stretching the margin to 69-38 and removing any doubt about the outcome. The Bluejays’ offensive execution was nearly flawless during the frame, shooting 11 of 18 from the field and 4 of 7 from three-point range to put the game out of reach.

Creighton’s performance was a model of efficiency, finishing the game shooting 49.2% from the field and 44% from beyond the arc. The Bluejays scored 81 points on just 64 possessions, translating to an elite offensive rating of 127.1. Equally impressive was their ball security, committing only four turnovers while forcing 11 from Saint John’s, which they converted into 13 points.

The Bluejays were led by a balanced and potent offensive attack. Ava Zediker, a guard from Des Moines, Iowa, paced all scorers with 18 points, adding four assists. Omaha native Neleigh Gessert provided a significant spark with 17 points, including three three-pointers in the first half that helped establish Creighton’s early lead. Grace Boffeli of Eldridge, Iowa, recorded a strong all-around line of 12 points, three assists and three blocks, while Kendall McGee contributed 13 points and four assists. Allison Heathcock added 10 points.

Saint John’s, which fell to 16-7 overall, struggled offensively throughout the contest. The Red Storm shot just 30.6% from the field and 19.2% from three-point range, managing an offensive rating of only 78.2. Their 13 offensive rebounds were a bright spot but were offset by a season-low three assists as a team, highlighting their difficulties in generating consistent offense against Creighton’s defense.

Sa’Mya Wyatt led the Red Storm with 14 points, and Shaulana Wagner added 13 points and three assists. The loss snapped a two-game winning streak for Saint John’s, which had defeated Villanova in its previous outing.

From the opening tip, Creighton set the tone. After Saint John’s hit an early three-pointer, the Bluejays responded with a 20-5 run over the remainder of the first quarter, fueled by two three-pointers from Gessert and one from Heathcock. The Red Storm never recovered from that initial barrage, as Creighton’s lead never dipped below double digits after the 5:20 mark of the first quarter.

Defensively, Creighton was disruptive, tallying eight blocks and six steals. Boffeli and Norah Gessert each had two blocks, while the team’s collective effort limited Saint John’s to only 20 points in the paint and disrupted passing lanes all evening.

The victory improved Creighton’s record to 9-12 overall and provided a measure of revenge after the Bluejays’ previous meeting this season, a 60-52 Creighton win in New York on Dec. 4. According to Interstat’s ELO system, Creighton entered the game with a 69.5% probability to win, a projection they exceeded with their comprehensive performance.

Saint John’s will look to rebound on the road against Providence on Saturday. Creighton’s next contest is a trip to face Seton Hall on Sunday.