Unrivaled: Phantom vs. Mist and Laces vs. Vinyl – Notes From the Office

The second weekend of Unrivaled matched two teams looking for their first win and two teams trying to stay unbeaten. 

In the first game between Phantom and Mist, the Mist got off to a 7 – 0 start, holding off Phantom for 2 plus minutes until Satou Sabally put them on the board with a three. The Mist was able to maintain their lead through the first quarter although Mist gained ground, ending at 24-20 for Mist.

The second quarter was equally tight, but Phantom stayed within striking distance. Sabally picked up three personal fouls in the quarter, a danger sign for Phantom. Aaliyah Edwards hit a 2-point free throw to give Mist a five-point lead at the half, 41-36. Brittney Griner, who had been dealing with a hip pointer, left the game twice but was able to return. 

The third quarter saw Phantom slowly start to gain ground. Eventually, the Phantom took the lead, ending with a five-point lead of 62-57. This meant that the fourth quarter, with the 11-point goal, would end with the first team getting to 73 points. Mist struggled to make a dent, although was able to get to within three points after Breanna Stewart hit a two-point shot. Next, Sabally answered immediately with a two, and Griner made the last shot to give Phantom the win, 74-69.

Sabally fouled out in the game late in the fourth quarter as Griner was able to finish with the last bucket. 

There were a few scoreless minutes during the game when everyone looked off-centered, but the sheer energy of the game got these seasoned players through it all, making it entertaining. Sabally and Griner each scored 29 points for Phantom, Rickea Jackson scored 24, and Stewart 27 for the Mist, which has now lost three straight games.

The Laces and Viynl Provided Unrivaled Fans with Excitement

Game Two between Laces and Vinyl was something of a more exciting game, with two teams trying to stay unbeaten. From the start this was a tight game, going back and forth, although Laces looked like the stronger team, keeping Vinyl out of reach. Kayla McBride and Tiffany Hayes led the charge, with everyone scoring in double figures. Hayes and McBride combined for 6-12 from three, with Stefanie Dolson and Kate Martin each adding one.

Laces went on a healthy run in the second quarter, opening up a 14-point lead on a Hayes three-point shot. Vinyl pushed back and was able to come within five points at the half, with Lacs up 45-40.

The third quarter saw Laces pull away and reached a 14-point lead on a Dolson free throw. This would make the score 69-55 with 39 seconds left in the third. Jordin Canada added five points for Vinyl, and McBride ended the quarter with a two for Laces putting the score at 71-60. 

In the fourth, Vinyl put up a valiant effort but simply could not catch up. Alyssa Thomas injured her knee during the quarter and had to be helped off the court. She will be re-evaluated on Saturday morning. Perhaps this gave Laces an added boost, and they were able to hang on for the win, 83-79.

Thoughts on Unrivaled Thus Far

Admittedly, the opening weekend excitement has cooled a bit, but these games are still exciting and enjoyable, and over time, will and should become a significant contribution to women’s basketball. The best part  – these players get to stay home and have fun.

Next up are meetings between Mist and Rose at 6 pm ET followed by Lunar Owls and Phantom at 7 pm ET, both on truTV.

And that, my friends, as they say, is that.’ — Martin Ruben.

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About Martin Ruben

Aloha - The Dodgers were still in Brooklyn when I was a kid. I was never a Yankees fan. I'm a season ticket holder for the Minnesota Lynx, a big UConn WBB fan, and an avid Arsenal supporter. I consider myself a student of basketball. If I were to write an autobiography, it would be called SERIOUS FUN.

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