NEWARK, N.J. (Interstat) — In a defensive struggle defined by missed opportunities and critical rebounds, Saint John’s edged Seton Hall 59-56 in a Big East women’s basketball game Sunday at Prudential Center.

The contest, a rematch of a Red Storm victory just over two weeks prior, was a stark contrast to that higher-scoring affair. Both teams labored offensively, with Saint John’s shooting 43% from the field and Seton Hall managing just 32%. The difference came down to a dominant performance on the glass by Saint John’s forward Daniela Abies and a crucial final sequence in the game’s closing seconds.

Abies was the undeniable force for the Red Storm, recording a monstrous double-double with 12 points and 19 rebounds. Her work on the defensive glass, where she grabbed 16 rebounds, repeatedly stifled Seton Hall’s second-chance opportunities and anchored a Saint John’s defense that held the Pirates to an offensive rating of 86.5 on 65 possessions.

Despite Abies’ interior presence, Seton Hall hung tight by capitalizing on Saint John’s mistakes. The Pirates scored 17 points off 13 Red Storm turnovers, while committing only five of their own. Jordana Codio led Seton Hall with 14 points, and Mariana Valenzuela added 7 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks.

The most important part of the game unfolded in the final minute. With Saint John’s clinging to a 57-56 lead after a Codio jumper, Seton Hall forced a turnover with 20 seconds remaining, giving them a chance to win or tie. Out of a timeout, the Pirates worked the ball to Savannah Catalon, but her driving layup attempt was off the mark with one second left.

Abies secured the defensive rebound and was immediately fouled by Valenzuela. She missed the first free throw but calmly sank the second to extend the lead to three. Seton Hall’s desperation heave from near half-court was not close as time expired.

The victory was a grind for Saint John’s, which led for over 37 minutes but never by more than nine points. Shaulana Wagner and Janeya Grant each scored 12 points for the Red Storm. Seton Hall’s backcourt of Ari Woodard and Savannah Catalon each contributed 10 points.

Saint John’s improved to 21-9 overall and secured a season sweep of the series. Seton Hall, which entered the game as a heavy favorite according to advanced metrics, fell to 18-9.

The game’s slow pace and physical nature were evident from the start. Both teams combined to shoot 5 for 39 from three-point range. Saint John’s won despite shooting only 50% from the free-throw line, missing 9 of 18 attempts. Seton Hall was more efficient at the line, making 9 of 10, but was undone by its overall shooting woes and Abies’ rebounding supremacy.

Saint John’s next hosts Connecticut on March 1. Seton Hall will look to rebound when it hosts Villanova on Thursday.