NEWARK, N.J. (Interstat) — In a gritty Big East clash defined by defense and determination, the Creighton women’s basketball team secured a significant road victory, upsetting Seton Hall 72-66 on Sunday at Prudential Center.

The Bluejays, improving to 10-12 overall, executed a more efficient offensive plan down the stretch to snap a two-game skid and hand the Pirates just their seventh loss of the season against 15 wins. Despite shooting just 42.6 percent from the field and 28.6 percent from three-point range, Creighton managed its possessions effectively, committing only 12 turnovers and converting 12 of 15 free throws.

Seton Hall, which entered the game as a heavy favorite according to predictive metrics, struggled mightily with its shooting touch. The Pirates connected on just 32.3 percent of their field goal attempts and a frigid 20 percent from beyond the arc. While they found success at the free throw line, making 19 of 23, their offensive rating of 91.8 on 72 possessions proved insufficient against a persistent Creighton defense that recorded three blocks and forced eight turnovers.

The game’s pivotal sequence unfolded late in the fourth quarter with Creighton clinging to a narrow lead. Leading 62-60 with under four minutes to play, the Bluejays’ defense stiffened. A critical block by Ava Zediker on Shailyn Pinkney’s layup attempt with 5:14 remaining preserved the two-point margin and ignited a decisive Creighton response.

On the ensuing possession, Zediker found Neleigh Gessert for a clutch three-pointer, pushing the lead to 65-60 and forcing a Seton Hall timeout. The Pirates managed to close within three points on two separate occasions in the final minutes, but Creighton answered each time from the free throw line. Kendall McGee sank two crucial foul shots with 32 seconds left to extend the lead to 68-64, and after a Seton Hall layup, Zediker sealed the game by calmly making both ends of a one-and-one opportunity with seven seconds on the clock.

Allison Heathcock anchored Creighton with a double-double, contributing 11 points and 10 rebounds in 31 minutes. Neleigh Gessert led all Bluejay scorers with 16 points, including four three-pointers, while Kennedy Townsend added 14 points. McGee provided a vital spark off the bench with 10 points, seven rebounds and three assists.

Seton Hall was led by a game-high 20 points from Jordana Codio, who also grabbed six rebounds. Savannah Catalon added 15 points, but the Pirates’ offense often stalled outside of their leading scorers. Mariana Valenzuela controlled the glass with 10 rebounds, helping Seton Hall to a 12-9 advantage in offensive boards, but the team’s six total assists highlighted their struggles to generate consistent ball movement.

The first half was a defensive struggle, with Creighton taking a 39-37 lead into halftime. The Bluejays never trailed in the second half, though Seton Hall tied the game twice in the third quarter. Each time, Creighton responded with timely baskets to maintain its composure and control.

The victory avenges a 79-88 home loss to Seton Hall back on Dec. 22 and provides a crucial conference road win for Creighton as it navigates the heart of its Big East schedule. Seton Hall, which had won four of its last five, will look to regroup after seeing its potent offense neutralized.

Creighton returns home to face Georgetown on Wednesday. Seton Hall travels to face Saint John’s next Saturday.