The BIG EAST Conference women's basketball season continues to heat up as the Providence Friars prepare to face the Creighton Bluejays on Saturday, January 4, 2025. The matchup at Alumni Hall, Providence, Rhode Island, promises action starting at 2:00 p.m. ET and will be available for live viewing on the BIG EAST Digital Network via FloCollege.
With 22 historical meetings between these two teams, Creighton holds the advantage, leading 18-4. The Bluejays have proven their dominance, particularly on their opponents' home court, boasting an impressive 8-1 record against the Friars when playing at Alumni Hall. Interestingly, the Friars secured their sole triumph against Creighton at home back on February 14, 2016, when they narrowly topped the Bluejays 61-59.
Creighton has recently racked up six consecutive victories against Providence, including their last clash on January 4, 2023, where the Bluejays ranked number 25 nationally but fell to the Friars 79-75. This season, Creighton is coming off solid momentum, having triumphed over Butler and establishing itself as one of the front-runners with a 3-0 record in BIG EAST play.
Providence boasts its own momentum after picking up its first BIG EAST victory of the season against St. John's, winning 59-52 after overtime on New Year's Day. Leading the charge for the Friars, Grace Efosa has emerged as the team's offensive backbone, averaging 15.5 points per game. She has recorded five 20-point games this season, marking her as one of the standout performers within the BIG EAST. Alongside her, Olivia Olsen averages 8.0 points and continues to be the league's top rebounder.
On the other side of the court, Creighton features key players like Lauren Jensen and Morgan Maly. Jensen leads the offensive effort for the Bluejays, averaging 18.5 points, closely followed by Maly who brings 17.4 points to the table per game. Together, they help Creighton average just under 75 points per game, cementing its reputation as a team to watch.
Providence’s strong defense has been notable this season, as they limited opponents to under 60 points per game, averaging just 58.3. Despite this defensive strength, the Friars have struggled with turnovers, averaging 18.4 per game, which could play a pivotal role against Creighton's fast-paced offense. Providence's success against conference rivals often hinges on maintaining control of the ball and capitalizing on scoring opportunities.
Creighton enters this game with aspirations of matching their best-ever start to BIG EAST play at 4-0. The last time they achieved this was during the 2021-22 season, which culminated with their historic run to the Elite Eight. A victory against Providence would bolster their chances for another deep tournament run.
With over 2,000 fans anticipated to fill Alumni Hall on Saturday, the atmosphere promises to be electric, echoing past matchups where both teams brought intense competition. Providence has made strides this season under the leadership of head coach Erin Batth, who is now steering her team through her second season behind the bench. With her experience from NC State and Michigan, Batth continues to lay the groundwork for success.
Notably, Olivia Olsen has consistently been one of the bright spots for the Friars, recently reaching her 1,000th career point and contributing significantly to both scoring and rebounding efforts this season. Her performance will be integral if Providence hopes to challenge Creighton effectively.
Meanwhile, Creighton’s roster has shown versatility, with players stepping up and delivering key performances during crunch time. Maly's recent double-double against Butler showcased her ability to dominate inside, making her one to watch as she continues to develop her game. The Bluejays have also seen strong showings from their bench, which adds depth to their strategy.
The upcoming contest between the Friars and Bluejays not only serves as another step on the road to the BIG EAST championship but also as a pivotal opportunity for both teams to establish early season momentum. A win for Creighton would solidify their standing at the top of the conference, whereas Providence aims to climb the ranks with back-to-back victories.
Basketball fans will certainly have their eyes on this matchup, as it promises to be filled with excitement, competition, and the pursuit of excellence on both sides of the ball. Tune in as the Friars aim to upset the conference leaders and reignite their season!