Credit: GR Productions
Pirates Fall in a Competitive Tilt vs Creighton, 72-64
Published: Sunday, January 12, 2025
by Kyle Ferreira
SOUTH ORANGE, NJ - The Seton Hall Pirates (12-4) saw their undefeated conference start come to a close vs the Creighton Bluejays (14-4), falling 72-64.
The last two contests for the Hall have been publicly acclaimed as BIG EAST classics, and Saturday’s game vs the Bluejays had the potential. Within the past few seasons, these two talented programs have battled closely against one another, despite Creighton sweeping last season’s three matchups. Early on, Creighton was on a mission to continue their hot streak vs the Pirates.
Creighton’s Preseason All-BIG EAST First Team selection, Morgan Maly, looked the part. By the end of the first half, Maly showed with her 12 points why she was one of the top scorers in the conference. With their aggressiveness on the boards and their tremendous perimeter shooting display, Creighton registered a 39-27 lead after the first 20 minutes.
For Seton Hall, keeping up with the tempo the Bluejays showcased was a challenge, but Faith Masonius understood she needed to make plays. Masonius led the Pirates with eight points in the first half and was solid all-around. However, the second half would need to see improvements from a Pirates squad that has faced adversity in a couple games this season.
The third quarter for the Pirates could be credited as their best showing all day long. Seton Hall kept it tight; not letting their performance from earlier in the game affect them. For Jada Eads, after a decent start to the game, her scoring output reemerged in the third quarter. Her five points in the third frame led the Pirates and showcased how she has become a vital piece to this squad. By the end of the third, Creighton’s lead was shrunk to six, 55-49.
But Creighton’s offense was too much to handle for the Pirates. Shooting a 50% clip from the field and the perimeter, and 100% from the charity stripe, the Bluejays were able to close out the win, 72-64. Maly also put the nail in the coffin with her eight points in the fourth to finish with a game-high 23 points.
The Bluejays once again showed why they have been one of the best road squads, with their 29th road win since the 2022-2023 season. For the Pirates, their 4-1 start in conference play is still a relatively strong one and has received much attention. For Seton Hall head coach Tony Bozzella, he learned one big thing during this start in BIG EAST play.
“We have to stay in our lane.” Once we go outside our lane, once we try to do things we aren't good at, it's going to be a big problem. If we do what we're good at, we'll be fine."
The Pirates will be back in action against Marquette on Wednesday in Wisconsin. Tipoff is set for 9 p.m. on 89.5 FM WSOU. Jackson Shank and Pat Corsello will be on the call.
Kyle Ferreira can be reached at kyle.ferreira@student.shu.edu.Posted in: sports,