Creighton University
11-10 (4-6BE)
Xavier
12-9 (4-6BE)
Rollerson Explodes for 22 & 10 to Guide Women's Hoops By Xavier, 74-65
1/30/2015 10:59:00 PM | Women's Basketball
OMAHA, Neb. - Sophomore Brianna Rollerson exploded for 22 points and 10 rebounds to guide the Creighton women's basketball team past Xavier, 74-65, on Friday, Jan. 30.
The win pushed the Bluejays to 11-10 on the season and 4-6 in BIG EAST play, while Xavier fell to 12-9 overall and 4-6 in conference action.
Rollerson set the tone for the game in the first four minutes as she grabbed four offensive rebounds and six points to sent the Bluejays out to an 11-2 lead (15:21). The game changed when Rollerson went to the bench for a quick rest as Xavier capitalized with a 15-3 response to take its first lead at 17-14 (11:00).
Back on the floor Rollerson went right to work with a layup to spur Creighton on an 18-3 run to give the Bluejays a 32-20 edge with 5:20 remaining in the half. Rollerson started the run with a layup and capped it with a back-to-back three-point plays, but between the Bluejays got triples from Sydney Lamberty and Marissa Janning as well as a bucket from MC McGrory and two free throws from Janning.
"I thought [Rollerson] flipped the game defensively," said head coach Jim Flanery. "I know we're going to focus on her offense, but she made some plays we need her to make."
As coach Flanery mentioned, Rollerson also delivered two blocked shots in the first half. Rollerson closed the first half with 14 points, eight rebounds and two blocks as Creighton took a 38-28 lead into the half.
Xavier clawed its way back into the game throughout the first 14 minutes of the second half, even taking the lead at 57-55 with 5:58 remaining. This time the Bluejays responded as a unit, senior Alexis Akin-Otiko hit a free throw to make it 57-56, then freshman Jade Owens grabbed an offensive board and a put back to reclaim the lead.
On the defensive end Rollerson grabbed a steal, then dished out an assist to Owens to make it 60-57 (5:26). Up 61-60 moments later it was sophomore Lauren Works turning a layup into a three-point play, followed by a layup from Rollerson.
Janning continued the run with a driving layup, then Lamberty dropped in an eight-foot jumper to cap the 13-4 run and put the Bluejays up by double figures (70-60 with 1:54).
The Bluejays went on to claim the 74-65 win, led by Rollerson's 22 points and 10 rebounds. Janning finished with 17 points, while Lamberty had 12.
Xavier got 14 points from both Maddison Blackwell and Jenna Crittendon in the losing effort.
Creighton returns to the court on Sunday, Feb. 1 as the Bluejays host Butler at 1:05 p.m.
