Villanova Women’s Basketball escapes Omaha with a win, 54-52

The Villanova Wildcats women’s basketball team found itself in some more fourth quarter drama on Friday night.

Just as they did the last time out against Xavier, the Wildcats were able to buckle down late in the game and string together the necessary plays and get the necessary stops to emerge victorious.

With the game all tied up at 42 heading into the fourth quarter, the ‘Cats were able to gain some separation thanks to back-to-back layups by Mary Gedaka midway through the quarter, making it more than just a one-possession game. From there, Villanova was able to hang on for a 54-52 victory, as Adrianna Hahn made a series of free throws in the closing minutes of the game to help maintain the lead.

It was a nailbiter, as ‘Nova went cold coming down the stretch. Over the last five minutes, the Wildcats only made one of their final seven shot attempts of the game—a Hahn jumper that came with less than two minutes to go.

Although their shots weren’t falling, their defense remained stout throughout the cold spell. Creighton didn’t find much success either in the fourth quarter, shooting only 3-of-10 as a team.

Gedaka led the way for Villanova, with a team-high 14 points, nine rebounds, and five assists. Hahn finished with 11 points and six rebounds. Bridget Herlihy added an efficient 11-point effort off of the bench.

The Wildcats had to play from behind early, as the Bluejays jumped out to a quick 10-point lead. They were leading 23-15 early in the second quarter, until the Wildcats went on a 10-0 run of their own to grab their first lead of the game. Gedaka started the run, while back-to-back treys by Kelly Jekot and Emily Esposito topped things off.

From there, the game became a back-and-forth affair all throughout. Creighton reclaimed the lead just before halftime, as a last-second pair of free throws by Temi Carda gave the Bluejays a 30-29 lead at the break.

Audrey Faber paced Creighton with a game-high 20 points. She was 7-for-13 on the floor. Carda was the only other Bluejay in double figures, finishing with a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double.

With the win ‘Nova is now 10-3 overall and 2-1 in Big East play. The Wildcats will continue their weekend road trip in the northeast, as they head from Omaha to Providence. They’ll take on the Friars for a Sunday matinee. Tip-off is at 1 p.m. ET.