Villanova Wins Slugfest over Creighton, 54-52

If this was a boxing match, it would be a split decision. The low-scoring battle meant points were at a premium for Villanova (10-3, 2-1 Big East) and Creighton (7-7, 1-2).

 Creighton opened up the game outscoring the Wildcats 18-11 on the back of Audrey Faber’s 12 points. Creighton was also the aggressor off the dribble, getting to the paint 12 times with 9 shots in the paint, compared to Villanova’s 8 and 4, respectively. That ability to attack the rim worked in tandem with the Bluejays’ outside shooting, as Creighton connected on 4 of 8 three-point attempts in the first period, hitting 3 of 5 when the shots came within their system. Villanova played flat for the entire first period, hitting just 1 of 8 from long range.

In the second round (quarter), Villanova and Creighton switched roles, with Villanova hitting their threes (3 of 5 in the 2^nd quarter) and doing a better job of getting to the paint (12 paint touches to CU’s 9, 9 shots in the paint to CU’s 4). With that effort, the Wildcats took a 30-29 lead into the break.

The 3^rd round saw Creighton come out of the locker room all out of sorts, with multiple bad passes early as the team failed to click. The Jays resettled and battled to a 13-12 lead in the quarter, tying the game up at 42 apiece heading into the decisive final round. Creighton left their hands down when Villanova guard Raven James had the ball, encouraging her to shoot from long range. James was able to connect once in the 2^nd, and once in the 3^rd to help keep Villanova in it.

The 4^th quarter was another back-and-forth round, with multiple errors from both teams coming in the last few minutes as Creighton tried to claw back, and Villanova tried to hold on. The ability for Villanova to score down low keyed the victory in the decisive 4^th. Creighton was held the just 3 baskets on 10 shots, while Villanova hit 5 shots and was able to kill clock with three offensive rebounds. A last second shot never transpired for Creighton as the buzzer sounded while they were still bringing the ball up the floor.

In the first half, Creighton was able to find the shots they were looking for, shooting 9 total three pointers that came in-system. In the second half, the shots they were looking for were much harder to come by, as they attempted just 4 three-pointers that came in system in the second half.

Creighton was led by Audrey Faber (20 points, 4 assists) and Temi Carda (10 points, 10 rebounds). Carda recorded her 2^nd career double-double, and first of the 2018-19 season.

Villanova saw three players reach double figures, and benefitted from solid bench play, as two starters finished the game with zero points. The Wildcats were led by Mary Gedaka (14 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists) and Adrianna Hahn (11 points, 6 rebounds).

Creighton returns to action on Sunday when they host Georgetown. Villanova will continue their road swing with a trip to Providence on Sunday.