The second weekend for Unrivaled Basketball had a lined match-up for the teams from the 24th to the 27th. The new women’s league has continued to build on its momentum in opening matches and the increased popularity of the WNBA.
Friday, January 24
Phantom vs. Mist
Phantom registered its first win in the tournament, beating the Mist 74-69. Satou Sabally registered a high 29 points and Brittney Griner, who came off the bench, scored 29 points. Marina Mabrey didn’t play as she is listed out for a probable two to four weeks for a calf strain. Sabrina Ionescu also didn’t play as she was participating in the promotional activities for the NBA Paris Games. Natisha Hiedeman was signed to a relief player contract, hence featuring for the Phantoms for this game.
On the Mist’s end, Breanna Stewart registered a double-double with 11 rebounds and 27 points. The Mist also missed some key players, Jewell Loyd and DiJonai Carrington, who could not play. They signed NaLyssa Smith, who had just returned from China to a relief contract.
Laces vs. Vinyl
The Laces continued their winning streak, dominating the Vinyl in an 83-79 game. Despite missing Jackie Young on the roster for the Laces due to a left knee injury, the team managed to display a tough front against the Vinyl. Kayla McBride teamed up with Tiffany Hayes to score 48 points.
Vinyl, which fell short of four points, was led by Dearica Hamby, who scored 18 points. Rhyne Howard and Arike Ogunbowale tied at 16 points for the Vinyl.
Saturday, January 25
Mist vs. Rose
The Mist continued to struggle with a losing streak on Saturday, losing to Rose to give it its first win (71-66). Both NaLyssa and DiJonai did not play. Stewart once again led the team with 20 points.
Rose BC capitalized on its three-point shots to grab the win with 42.9% from three compared to the Mist, who shot 18.2% at the free-throw line. Lexie Hull had an impressive field goal day, scoring 8 of the 11 attempts to amass 19 points for the Rose.
Lunar Owls vs. Phantom
The Lunar Owls also continued their winning streak over the weekend, beating the Phantom (82-58). Despite Cameron Brink not playing as she is still in recovery from the ACL injury she suffered in June last year, the Lunar Owls have shown dominance in the League. Napheesa Collier has been a great force for the team, registering double-doubles with her recording 37 points and 18 rebounds in this game.
The Phantom, who won their first game while playing against the Mist, had a tough time getting a hold of this game, making only 4 of the 20 three-pointer shots. They also struggled at the free throw line with a 50%. Sabally led the team with 19 points. Marina and Sabrina did not play.
Monday, January 27
Vinyl vs. Lunar Owls
Vinyl registered its second loss to the Lunar Owls, who maintained a winning streak over the weekend. The game ended 67-57 in favor of the Owls. Arike led the Vinyl with a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds. Vinyl struggled in the field goal with 33.8%. Hamby did not play, which sparked controversial questions for the fans based on the reason stated as personal.
Lunar Owls capitalized on the lousy field day by the Vinyl to secure the win. Collier continued to dominate for the Lunar Owls, registering 19 points and 17 rebounds.
Rose vs. Laces
The last game of the weekend was a tight match-up between the table leaders, Laces and the second-last team, Rose BC. The Laces cemented their win over the Rose with Hayes’ 24 points and 11 rebounds. Both teams struggled at the three-point line. This was the first game for Hiedeman with the Laces. She played only two minutes off the bench. On the other end, Roses were led by Brittney Sykes with 18 points.
Developments in the league Hiedeman, who was signed to a relief contract with the Phantom, was reassigned to the Laces. This follows Alyssa Thomas’s injury during the Laces game against the Vinyl. Hiedeman was a great addition for the Phantoms, who had struggled to secure a win since the start of the tournament. She registered four points, three assists, and two rebounds in her first game with the team (vs. Mist). Once again, she came off the bench to record 18 points and three rebounds during her second game. This may be a big blow to the Phantom.
Record Breaking
Collier (Lunar Owls) and McBride (Laces) are the only players to register over 100 points in the first two weeks of the league. Napheesa is averaging 28.5 points per game and McBride is averaging 25.5 points per game. Collier has 114 points and McBride has 102 points. The two are Minnesota Lynx teammates.
Current Table Standings for the Unrivaled League
1. Laces (4 Wins 0 Losses)
2. Lunar Owls (4 Wins 0 Losses)
3. Vinyl (2 wins 2 Losses)
4. Phantom (1 win 3 Losses)
5. Rose (1 Win 3 Losses)
6. Mist (0 Wins 4 Losses)
