Late Push not Enough for Pirates to Overcome Bluejays

Published: Sunday, February 1, 2026

by Darren Worrell

SOUTH ORANGE, N.J. - The Seton Hall Pirates (15-7, 9-4) fell to the Creighton Bluejays (10-12, 5-8) by a final score of 72-66 at Historic Walsh Gymnasium on Sunday afternoon.

Before the game, play by play commentator Jacob Glick interviewed head coach Tony Bozzella, who outlined his keys to the game: outscore Creighton in the paint by 32 points, win the rebounding battle by six and win both the offensive rebound battle and turnover battle. 

He also stated that the team needed to make Creighton uncomfortable, as they would have a better chance if the Bluejays were out of rhythm.

As the first quarter began, things started off back and forth with both teams trading baskets early on and the score sitting at 7-5. Four offensive rebounds by Creighton in one possession allowed them to tie the game at seven a piece. A steal by Creighton then sparked a 7-0 run over two minutes and three seconds, making the score 14-7. 

The quarter continued to go in Creighton’s favor as they were getting everything they wanted. They outrebounded the Pirates 16-7 in the quarter with ten of those coming on the offensive glass. 

In the second quarter, the fouls started to add up for the Pirates, and they were well over the bonus before the period ended. This is exactly what they wanted to avoid, as this Creighton team leads the BIG EAST in free throw percentage. 

They got to the free throw line eight times in the quarter. In addition, the Bluejays also knocked down four three pointers. The Pirates fought back, but still found themselves down six, 45-39. Savannah Catalon led all scorers with 13 points, and Codio was close behind with ten. 

Going into the third quarter, the Pirates needed to defend the Perimeter. Creighton had attempted 20 three pointers in the first half and, although they only made only six, they showed they were not afraid to shoot when open.

The Pirates needed to force them into the paint more. In addition, they had to stop pressing, as Creighton was exploiting it. 

The third quarter saw the Pirates come out with a different sense of urgency, but every time they tried chipping at the lead, Creighton responded, growing their lead more. Savanna Jones hit a layup, picking up her fourth point of the game, but Creighton responded with a layup from Bofelli and that is how the quarter ended at 60-55. 

In the fourth and final quarter, the Pirates started off slow, missing their first nine shots before Codio converted two free throws, and this would spark a 9-0 run by the Pirates, and they were within three points at 67-64. The Pirates added two more points, but the Creighton lead was too much to overcome, and the Bluejays would win 72-66.

In the press conference coach Bozella stated “The team didn’t lose, Creighton just won and that summed up the game.

The Pirates now turn their attention to their next game against the St. John’s Red Storm at Carnesecca Arena at 2 P.M. with Ryan Nelke and Caitlin Barrar on the call for the game on 89.5 FM WSOU.

Darren Worrell can be reached at darren.worrell@student.shu.edu 

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