Creighton women’s basketball hit a wall in Sioux Falls on Wednesday, November 11, falling 54-49 to South Dakota in a game defined by a prolonged and uncharacteristic shooting slump.
The defeat drops the Bluejays to 2-1 on the season, while the Coyotes improved to a perfect 3-0 record, according to official reporting from gocreighton.com.
The stakes of the matchup were clear from the opening tip. While Creighton entered with high expectations, the team struggled to find rhythm against a physical South Dakota defense. The Bluejays hit only 2 of their first 18 attempts from the field, a cold spell that lasted 14 minutes and allowed the Coyotes to build a 19-8 lead early in the contest.
The offensive struggle was not merely a matter of bad luck; it was a statistical trend that persisted throughout the afternoon. Creighton ultimately finished the game shooting just 13-of-57 from the field, which translates to a 22.8% success rate, as noted by BVM Sports. Their performance from beyond the arc was equally hampered, with the team connecting on only 5-of-24 three-point attempts.
The Omaha World-Herald reported that the Bluejays’ inability to shake this shooting funk prevented them from ever securing a lead, despite remaining within striking distance for the duration of the game. The disparity on the glass proved to be a significant factor in the final tally, with South Dakota outrebounding Creighton 44-24, effectively limiting the Bluejays’ second-chance opportunities.
Defense served as the primary bridge keeping Creighton in the game. The Bluejays utilized full-court pressure to force 29 turnovers, a tactic that successfully cut a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit down to just five points with 1:23 remaining on the clock. However, the Coyotes managed to break the press for a critical late layup and converted at the free-throw line to seal the victory.
Despite the team-wide shooting woes, several players provided bright spots for the Bluejays. Sophomore Neleigh Gessert led Creighton with 12 points, while Ava Zediker and freshman Mya Moore each contributed 10 points. For South Dakota, Molly Joyce paced the offense with 14 points, and Latazia Williamson recorded a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds.
The loss forces an immediate pivot for the Creighton coaching staff as they look to correct the team’s offensive efficiency before the next tip-off. The Bluejays are scheduled to return to action on the road this Sunday, November 15, facing Northern Iowa at 2:00 pm. The game will be available for viewing on ESPN+.
As the team prepares for the upcoming stretch, the question remains whether the shooting performance in Sioux Falls was an outlier or a symptom of early-season adjustments. South Dakota, meanwhile, turns its attention to an upcoming home contest against Idaho State, looking to maintain their momentum following a win that forced their opponent to work for every single possession.
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