Creighton Women Fall At Villanova, 74-64

Villanova, Pa. -- Despite a dynamic performance from freshmen Neleigh Gessert and Kendall McGee, Creighton Women's Basketball fell 74-64 at Villanova on Thursday, January 1. The loss moved Creighton to 6-8 on the season and 2-3 in BIG EAST action, while Villanova moved to 12-2 overall and 5-0 in conference contests.

The Bluejays got off to a fast start, hitting five of their first seven shots to race out to a 13-5 edge with 4:04 remaining in the first quarter. Kennedy Townsend delivered seven early points on a pair of driving layups, while Neleigh Gessert connected on a pair of trifectas. 

Villanova responded with a 20-3 surge over the next nine minutes to run out to a 25-16 advantage, drawing a timeout from head coach Jim Flanery with 5:22 left in the half. Out of the timeout the Bluejays settled back in as Kendall McGee scored five straight Creighton points. The Wildcats, however, extended their lead to 36-23 at the half.

Coming back to the court after the half, McGee and Neleigh Gessert each found their range with 18 combined points in the quarter. McGee delivered nine in the frame, helping the Bluejays draw as close as eight at 52-44 with 1:08 left.

Villanova answered with 10 of the next 11 to extend its advantage to 62-45 (7:30). Down the stretch, Townsend scored eight more and Neleigh Gessert contributed seven, but the Bluejays drew no closer than nine (71-62) in the closing moments.
  
Neleigh Gessert led all scorers with 25 points, equaling her career-high. Her seven made three-pointers moved Neleigh Gessert into a 13-way tie for seventh in single game history. Townsend delivered 19 points, while McGee set a career mark with 14 points.

Villanova got a game-high 19 points from Kennedy Henry to go with 15 from Jasmine Bascoe, 14 from Ryanne Allen and 10 points from Denae Carter.

After six days on the road, the Bluejays travel home to host Butler on Sunday, January 4 at 1:00 pm in D.J. Sokol Arena. Game time is set for 1:00 pm.