Creighton Bluejays Women's Basketball Rallies from 14 Down to Defeat Xavier

The Bluejays stormed back in the fourth quarter to secure a 73-71 victory over the Musketeers.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

The Creighton Bluejays women's basketball team overcame a 14-point deficit in the fourth quarter to defeat the Xavier Musketeers 73-71 on Sunday, March 1. The victory pushed Creighton to 15-14 overall and 11-9 in BIG EAST play, while Xavier dropped to 11-18 and 4-16 in conference action. With under 20 seconds left and Creighton trailing 71-69, senior Kennedy Townsend hit a game-winning three-pointer to complete the comeback.

Why it matters

The dramatic comeback win gives the Bluejays a surge of momentum heading into the BIG EAST Tournament, where seeding scenarios are still up for grabs. The victory also extends Creighton's dominance over Xavier, as the Bluejays now lead the all-time series 21-2 with 17 consecutive wins.

The details

Creighton opened with a 10-0 run, but Xavier quickly seized control in the first half, led by Meri Kanerva's 16 points. The Musketeers built a 14-point lead, but Creighton chipped away in the fourth quarter, sparked by an eight-point burst from Allison Heathcock and strong play from Grace Boffeli and Norah Gessert. Townsend's game-winning three-pointer in the final seconds capped off the comeback.

  • On Sunday, March 1, Creighton closed out the regular season.
  • With under 20 seconds left and Creighton trailing 71-69, Kennedy Townsend hit the game-winning three-pointer.

The players

Creighton Bluejays

The women's basketball team from Creighton University, located in Omaha, Nebraska.

Xavier Musketeers

The women's basketball team from Xavier University, located in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Kennedy Townsend

A senior on the Creighton Bluejays women's basketball team who hit the game-winning three-pointer to complete the comeback.

Grace Boffeli

A standout player for the Creighton Bluejays, leading the team with 20 points and 10 rebounds in the game.

Norah Gessert

A Creighton Bluejays player who scored a career-high 17 points, including key shots to keep the team within striking distance.

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What’s next

The win gives Creighton momentum heading into the BIG EAST Tournament, where seeding scenarios are still to be determined. If UConn defeats St. John's, the Bluejays will secure the No. 5 seed and a matchup with No. 4 Marquette. If St. John's pulls off the upset, Creighton will slide to No. 6 and face Xavier again in a rematch.

The takeaway

Creighton's dramatic comeback victory over Xavier showcases the team's resilience and ability to rally from a large deficit, providing a boost of confidence as they prepare for the postseason. The win also extends the Bluejays' dominance over the Musketeers, highlighting Creighton's consistent success in the series.