Pirates Secure Win in Omaha for First Time in nearly Ten Years

Published: Monday, December 22, 2025

by Darren Worrell

OMAHA, Neb. -- After three years and nine consecutive losses, the Seton Hall Pirates (8-4, 2-1) defeated the Creighton Bluejays (6-6, 2-1) by a score of 88-79 on Monday evening.

The Pirates ended the streak thanks to the tremendous performances from Mariana Valenzuela 23 points, Shailyn Pinkney’s career high 21 points, and Jada Eads 18 points, as well as a strong team performance.

As the first quarter started, Allison Heathcock got the Bluejays on the board first with a three pointer and the score was 3-0. Over the next two minutes and 17 seconds, Creighton went on a 4-0 run to extend their lead to 7-0.

The Pirates quickly responded with a run of their own, scoring 20 straight points. Mariana Valenzuela was the key contributor, scoring 12 points during the stretch to make it 20-7.

Creighton fought back, cutting the lead down to as low as seven, but Jada Eads hit a three-pointer at the buzzer to give the Pirates a comfortable 30-20 lead heading into the second quarter.

Valenzuela finished the quarter, with 15 points and Eads with nine points, and both were on fire from behind the arc, each hitting three three-pointers a piece.

In the second quarter Seton Hall dominated, while Neleigh Gessert was a bright spot for Creighton, going three for four from behind the arc. The Pirates forced Creighton into uncomfortable shots, holding them to six of 17 from the field and four of 12 from three.

Shailyn Pinkney came off the bench once again and sparked the Pirates, especially when Zahara Bishop was in foul trouble. Pinkney scored 11 points in the second quarter, going four of four from the field and three for three from the perimeter. Seton Hall led 56-36 at halftime.

The Pirates excelled in the rebounding battle 19-11, shot 68.8% from the field and 60% from the three, and outscored Creighton 22-12 in the paint. They maintained this momentum in the second half.

In the third quarter, Pinkney broke her previous career high, reaching 17 points. Valenzuela added a three pointer to make it 69-50, but a technical foul allowed Creighton to cut the lead down to as low as 12, free throws from Pinkney and a layup from Eads pushed the lead back to 16, with Seton Hall ahead 73-57 entering the fourth.

The fourth quarter was challenging, as Jada Eads fouled out and Creighton went on a 12-0 run to cut the lead to 84-79, the closest they had been the entire game. However, Creighton began fouling, and the Pirates converted at the line to secure the win.

Four players finished in double figures: Valenzuela with 23, Pinkney with her new career high at 21, Eads with 18, and Codio with 14.

Seton Hall now turns its attention to December 28, when they return home to host the Xavier Musketeers. Christian Olivieri and Anthony Collins will have the call at 1:00 P.M. on 89.5 FM WSOU.

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

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