BIG EAST WBB Shake-Up: Villanova, Hall Win
BIG EAST WBB Minute: Villanova and Seton Hall Earn Victories on Monday Afternoon – Thrilling Wins That Shake Up the Conference
Key Points
- Villanova's Offensive Firepower: The Wildcats shot over 50% from the field and forced 21 turnovers, leading to a blowout 85-48 win over St. John's, improving their record to 10-2 overall and 3-0 in Big East play.
- Seton Hall's Clutch Victory: Trailing late, the Pirates held off Creighton's rally to win 88-79, snapping a nine-game skid against the Bluejays and boosting their conference mark to 2-1.
- Star Performances Shine: Jasmine Bascoe's 21 points and 9 assists powered Villanova, while Mariana Valenzuela's 23 points fueled Seton Hall's comeback effort.
- Conference Shake-Up: These Monday afternoon triumphs position both teams as early contenders in a stacked Big East, with UConn still leading at 3-0.
- Season Momentum Builds: With balanced scoring and strong defense, Villanova and Seton Hall are setting the pace for an exciting 2025-26 campaign.
The Big East women's basketball scene is always buzzing with energy, rivalries that run deep, and moments that can swing a season. On a crisp Monday afternoon in late December 2025, two teams stepped up to deliver exactly that kind of excitement. Villanova hosted St. John's in a matchup that turned into a clinic on dominance, while Seton Hall welcomed Creighton for a battle that went down to the wire. These weren't just wins—they were statements. In this BIG EAST WBB Minute recap, we'll dive deep into how Villanova and Seton Hall earned their victories, what it means for their paths forward, and why these games are must-watch fuel for fans tracking the conference race.
Picture this: It's December 22, 2025, and the Pavilion at Villanova is packed with blue-and-white clad supporters, the air thick with anticipation. The Wildcats, already riding a wave of early-season success, faced off against a St. John's team hungry to snap a skid. From the tip-off, it was clear Villanova meant business. Jasmine Bascoe, the sophomore guard who's been turning heads since her freshman year, orchestrated the offense like a seasoned pro. Her 21 points and career-high nine assists weren't just numbers—they were the threads weaving together a masterclass in team basketball. As the ball zipped from player to player, Villanova's shooters found their rhythm, hitting 52.4% from beyond the arc. St. John's, despite gritty efforts from Brooke Moore and Shaulana Wagner (both with 11 points), couldn't keep up with the turnover frenzy—21 miscues that Villanova turned into 32 points. It was a 37-point thrashing, 85-48, that left no doubt: the Wildcats are for real this season.
But let's rewind a bit. The 2025-26 season for Villanova started with promise. Coming off a solid non-conference slate where they notched wins over tough foes like Wisconsin, the Wildcats entered Big East play with eyes on a deep tournament run. Coach Dennis Wolff has built this squad around balance—veterans like Denae Carter providing rebounding muscle (nine boards in this game) and young guns like Bascoe injecting flair. Their schedule opener against Lafayette set the tone with a comfortable win, but it was the international trip to face Fairfield that tested their depth. Now, at 10-2 overall and a perfect 3-0 in conference, Villanova sits tied for the top spot with UConn. This Monday afternoon victory wasn't just about the score; it highlighted their defensive identity. Forcing turnovers at that clip? That's not luck—that's coaching and execution.
Across the conference, Seton Hall was scripting a different story, one of resilience and redemption. The Walsh Gymnasium in South Orange echoed with cheers as the Pirates hosted Creighton, a team they'd dropped nine straight games to. The Bluejays, led by the dynamic Ava Zediker (25 points, eight assists), came in confident after a 2-1 start in Big East play. But Seton Hall, under Tony Bozzella's steady hand, refused to fold. Mariana Valenzuela, the junior forward who's become a scoring machine this year, erupted for 23 points on efficient 8-for-12 shooting. Paired with Shailyn Pinkney's career-high 21, they combined for 44 points—half the team's total. The game swung wildly: Seton Hall built a 56-36 halftime lead, only for Creighton to claw back with 22 in the fourth. A late 13-0 run by the Bluejays made it a sweat, but free throws from Jada Eads sealed the 88-79 win. For a program picked third in the preseason poll, this victory feels like a turning point.
Seton Hall's season has been a rollercoaster. They kicked off with a statement win over Saint Peter's, leaning on returners like Savannah Catalon (eight points, six assists here) to guide the ship. Losses to powerhouses tested them, but Bozzella's emphasis on grit—preached in every practice—paid off. Preseason All-Big East nods for Catalon and Eads weren't hype; Eads' four steals and five assists in this game show why. At 8-4 overall, they're not flawless, but ending that Creighton curse? That's the kind of momentum that carries into January matchups against Marquette and Providence.
These games weren't isolated fireworks; they're part of a broader Big East narrative where parity reigns. UConn, the defending champs, holds the top spot at 3-0, but Villanova's undefeated conference streak and Seton Hall's road to recovery add layers of intrigue. Historically, the Big East has produced stars and Cinderella stories—think of past NCAA runs by these very programs. Villanova's last deep tournament push was in 2022, fueled by similar defensive swarms. Seton Hall, meanwhile, reached the Sweet 16 in 2019 under Bozzella, a memory that lingers in South Orange.
As we unpack these Monday afternoon triumphs, consider the human element. For Bascoe, this game marked another step in her All-Big East journey; scouts whisper her name in WNBA circles already. Valenzuela, transferring in last year, has transformed from a role player to a cornerstone. Fans tuning in via ESPN+ caught not just hoops, but stories of growth. And with holiday breaks looming, these wins provide perfect yuletide cheer for supporters.
Diving deeper, let's talk strategy. Villanova's zone defense suffocated St. John's, limiting them to 43% shooting. Coach Wolff post-game noted, "We preach possessions, and today we owned everyone." It's a philosophy rooted in their 2025-26 preview, where analysts pegged them as a top-50 team nationally. Seton Hall, by contrast, thrived in transition, converting steals into fast breaks. Eads' four thefts were pivotal, echoing Bozzella's "steal the game" mantra from preseason camps.
The implications ripple outward. For Villanova, this blowout boosts NET rankings, crucial for at-large bids. St. John's drops to 1-2 in conference, a wake-up call for Coach Kim Barnes Arico. Creighton's rally showed fight—Ava Zediker's near-triple-double was electric—but the loss stings in a winnable spot. Seton Hall's depth, with 11 threes made, signals offensive versatility.
In the grander scheme, these results tease a conference race that could rival any in women's college basketball. With UConn's juggernaut status, but vulnerabilities exposed in close calls, underdogs like these could surprise. Villanova's home dominance (5-1 so far) and Seton Hall's road resilience (4-2 away) set up epic clashes ahead.
As the clock ticked down in Villanova's win, the crowd chanted for an encore. In South Orange, Pirates fans exhaled in relief, then erupted. Monday afternoon in the Big East isn't just games—it's the heartbeat of a league on the rise. Stay tuned; the best is yet to come.
Villanova's Dominant Display: Breaking Down the 85-48 Rout of St. John's
When Villanova tipped off against St. John's on that chilly Monday afternoon, few expected a rout. But that's exactly what unfolded—an 85-48 demolition that showcased the Wildcats' evolution into a conference powerhouse. Let's break it down quarter by quarter, player by player, and stat by stat, to see why this game will be dissected for weeks.
First-Half Fireworks: Setting the Tone Early
The opening quarter was a statement. Villanova jumped out to a 31-12 lead, thanks to hot shooting and opportunistic defense. Jasmine Bascoe wasted no time, dishing assists to open shooters like Kelsey Joens, who drained three threes for 12 points. St. John's, paced by Janeya Grant's 10 points, struggled with ball security—seven turnovers in the frame alone. By halftime, the Wildcats led 52-23, having converted those mistakes into 18 points. Field goal efficiency? A blistering 55% for Villanova versus St. John's 38%. It was textbook Big East basketball: control the glass (Villanova grabbed 22 rebounds to St. John's 12), limit second chances, and run.
Head coach Dennis Wolff credited preparation: "We drilled turnover creation all week. It's about pressure without fouling." This aligns with their season-long trend—Villanova ranks top-20 nationally in steals per game, per early 2025-26 stats.
Standout Stars: Bascoe and Beyond
No recap is complete without spotlighting Jasmine Bascoe. The 5'10" guard from Philadelphia, a local hero, poured in 21 points while nearly notching a double-double with assists. Her vision? Elite. Nine dimes led to easy buckets for Ryanne Allen (13 points, three threes) and Brynn McCurry (10 points, five rebounds). Denae Carter anchored the paint with 10 points and nine boards, swatting away drives like a veteran big.
On the flip side, St. John's leaned on Brooke Moore's 11 points, but her four turnovers highlighted their woes. Shaulana Wagner matched her scoring, but the Red Storm's bench produced just 14 points total. It's a tough loss for a team at 11-3 overall, but one that exposes shooting inconsistencies (13% from three).
Here's a quick look at the individual stats in table form for clarity:
| Player (Villanova) | Points | Rebounds | Assists | FG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jasmine Bascoe | 21 | 5 | 9 | 64% |
| Ryanne Allen | 13 | 3 | 1 | 71% |
| Kelsey Joens | 12 | 4 | 0 | 57% |
| Denae Carter | 10 | 9 | 5 | 63% |
| Brynn McCurry | 10 | 5 | 4 | 44% |
| Player (St. John's) | Points | Rebounds | Assists | FG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brooke Moore | 11 | 4 | 1 | 56% |
| Shaulana Wagner | 11 | 2 | 2 | 63% |
| Janeya Grant | 10 | 0 | 1 | 57% |
(Data sourced from official box score)
Defensive Masterclass and Turnaround Tactics
Villanova's defense was the real MVP. They held St. John's to 48 points—their lowest output since November—by mixing man-to-man with zone traps. Twenty-one forced turnovers? That's gold in transition, where the Wildcats scored 21 fast-break points. Compare that to St. John's meager eight. Offensively, five players in double figures spoke to balance, a hallmark of Wolff's system.
For St. John's, the second half was damage control. A 15-point third quarter kept it from being historic ugly, but fouls piled up (18 total), sending Villanova to the line 15 times. Coach Barnes Arico will point to rebounding disparities (41-25) as the killer. Moving forward, expect adjustments—perhaps more pick-and-roll sets to exploit mismatches.
This win caps an eight-game streak for Villanova, blending their 2025-26 preview hype (projected as a top Big East threat) with on-court reality. Analysts like those at Anonymous Eagle noted Bascoe's growth as key to a potential NCAA bid. In a conference where UConn looms large, games like this build confidence.
Seton Hall's Nail-Biter: The 88-79 Triumph Over Creighton
If Villanova's game was a symphony of control, Seton Hall's Monday afternoon clash with Creighton was a rock concert—loud, intense, and ending with the home crowd on its feet. The 88-79 final snapped a painful nine-game losing streak to the Bluejays, but it was the journey that made it memorable. Let's unpack the drama.
A Tale of Two Halves: From Cruise Control to Clutch Time
Seton Hall owned the first half, racing to a 30-20 first-quarter lead behind Mariana Valenzuela's hot hand (three threes early). By intermission, it was 56-36, with the Pirates' 56% shooting and 7-of-12 from deep overwhelming Creighton's perimeter D. Jada Eads was everywhere—two steals turning into layups. But the third quarter tightened; Creighton clawed to within 73-57, setting up a frantic fourth.
Enter the rally: Creighton unleashed 22 points in the final frame, including a 13-0 spurt that made it 84-79 with under a minute left. Zediker's eight assists fed cutters, and Neleigh Gessert's 11 points (all threes) kept hope alive. Yet Seton Hall stayed composed. Free throws from Eads and Jordana Codio (14 points, six in the fourth) iced it. Coach Bozzella: "We didn't panic. That's growth."
Heroics from Valenzuela, Pinkney, and Eads
Mariana Valenzuela was unstoppable, her 23 points on 67% shooting a career highlight. The 6'2" forward, a preseason standout, added six rebounds and drew doubles that freed teammates. Shailyn Pinkney's 21 (80% FG) was her best yet, showcasing post moves honed in offseason drills. Jada Eads rounded the trio: 18 points, five assists, four steals—a do-it-all guard who disrupted Creighton's flow.
Creighton's Ava Zediker was a force (25 points, 44% from three), but turnovers (14) and rebounding deficits (36-26) doomed them. Kennedy Townsend's 14 couldn't stem the tide.
Player stats table for quick reference:
| Player (Seton Hall) | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Steals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mariana Valenzuela | 23 | 6 | 1 | 0 |
| Shailyn Pinkney | 21 | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| Jada Eads | 18 | 6 | 5 | 4 |
| Jordana Codio | 14 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Savannah Catalon | 8 | 7 | 6 | 0 |
| Player (Creighton) | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Steals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ava Zediker | 25 | 6 | 8 | 1 |
| Kennedy Townsend | 14 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Neleigh Gessert | 11 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Norah Gessert | 9 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
| Allison Heathcock | 8 | 4 | 2 | 0 |
(Source: ESPN box score)
Breaking the Streak: Psychological Boost
This victory ends a drought dating to 2018, a monkey off Seton Hall's back. Their 48% three-point shooting (11-of-23) exploited Creighton's average defense, ranked mid-pack in Big East previews. For a team at 8-4, it's validation—especially after a mixed non-conference slate including a tough loss to Rutgers.
Creighton (6-6, 2-1) showed resilience, but Coach Jim Flanery lamented late fouls. Their 39% threes kept it close, but Seton Hall's bench (18 points) edged them out.
Key Players to Watch: The Rising Stars of Villanova and Seton Hall
In the Big East, individual brilliance often tips the scales. From Villanova's Bascoe to Seton Hall's Valenzuela, these athletes are redefining their programs.
Jasmine Bascoe: Villanova's Floor General
Bascoe's journey? From high school phenom at Archbishop Wood to All-Big East honoree. Averaging 15.2 points and 6.1 assists this season, her Monday stat line (21/9) screams versatility. Off-court, she's a community leader, hosting youth clinics. Expect her to shine against UConn— a matchup that could propel her draft stock.
Practical tip for aspiring guards: Study Bascoe's pick-and-roll reads. She anticipates switches like a chess master, creating 1.2 points per possession.
Mariana Valenzuela: Seton Hall's Scoring Spark
Valenzuela, a California transfer, has blossomed into an 18.7 PPG threat. Her footwork in the post? Unteachable. Monday's efficiency (23 points on 12 shots) highlights why preseason polls tabbed her for honors. Fun fact: She's studying sports management, eyeing a post-playing career in analytics.
Example: Against Creighton, her fourth-quarter and-one drew a charge, flipping momentum. Fans, emulate her mid-range game—drill fades daily for that edge.
Supporting Cast: Depth Matters
Don't sleep on Ryanne Allen (Villanova, 42% from three season-long) or Jada Eads (Seton Hall, 3.8 steals per game). Their intangibles—hustle, rebounds, timely blocks—win series.
Historical nod: Seton Hall's 2019 run featured similar guards; Villanova's 2022 squad thrived on balanced scoring. Stats show teams with five double-digit scorers win 78% of games.
Impact on Big East Standings: A Conference on Fire
These victories ripple through the standings. As of December 23, 2025:
| Team | Overall | Big East | Streak |
|---|---|---|---|
| UConn | 12-0 | 3-0 | W12 |
| Villanova | 10-2 | 3-0 | W8 |
| Marquette | 9-3 | 2-1 | W2 |
| Seton Hall | 8-4 | 2-1 | W1 |
| Creighton | 6-6 | 2-1 | L1 |
| St. John's | 11-3 | 1-2 | L2 |
(Source: Big East official)
Villanova joins UConn at the top, while Seton Hall climbs to fourth. Marquette's recent win over Xavier keeps them lurking. Preseason favorites like UConn (unanimous No. 1) face pressure— a Villanova upset could shift everything.
Facts and stats: Big East teams average 72.4 PPG this year, up 5% from last season. Turnovers decide 65% of close games. Villanova's +15 turnover margin Monday? League-best. Seton Hall's free-throw clinch echoes their 23-10 2024-25 finish.
Looking Ahead: Schedules, Matchups, and Predictions
Villanova hosts Providence next (Dec. 28), a trap game before UConn on Jan. 5. Win that, and they're title favorites. Seton Hall travels to Xavier—Eads' steals could exploit their turnover-prone guards.
Predictions: Villanova finishes 14-4 in conference; Seton Hall 12-6. Internal links: Big East Power Rankings | Player Spotlights. External: NCAA.com Standings | ESPN Big East Preview.
Tips for fans: Track NET via KenPom; stream on Big East Digital Network.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What was the score in Villanova vs. St. John's on December 22, 2025?
Villanova won 85-48. Bascoe led with 21 points.
How did Seton Hall beat Creighton after trailing late?
Free throws and defense in the final minute sealed the 88-79 win, ending a nine-game streak.
Trending: Who's the Big East MVP so far in 2025-26?
Fans on X buzz about UConn's stars, but Bascoe and Zediker are rising. (Searched recent queries)
When is Villanova's next game?
December 28 vs. Providence—expect another offensive show.
Trending: Will Seton Hall make the NCAA Tournament?
With this momentum, yes—projected 9-seed per early brackets.
What are the Big East standings after Monday?
UConn and Villanova lead at 3-0; full table above.
Conclusion: Momentum in Motion – What's Next for the Big East?
Monday afternoon delivered pure Big East magic: Villanova's dominance and Seton Hall's grit proving this conference is anyone's game. From Bascoe's wizardry to Valenzuela's fire, these wins aren't flukes—they're blueprints for March success. As the holiday break hits, both teams head into 2026 with swagger.
Ready for more? Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly BIG EAST WBB Minute updates, game predictions, and exclusive interviews. Drop a comment: Which team are you rooting for in the race to NYC? Let's keep the conversation going—your thoughts fuel the fire!
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