Without question, the inaugural season of Unrivaled Basketball was a great success for the fans and players alike. The sophomore season got underway in Miami on Monday as the league welcomes in two new franchises. One of those franchises, the Breeze made their debut in the final game of the two doubleheaders against the Phantom.
In the first quarter, the Breeze took a 23-17 lead as Unrivaled rookie Paige Bueckers and Rickea Jackson combined for 18 of the squad’s 23 points. Bueckers scored 10 points as Jackson had eight. However, the Phantom made it a five-point game following the second quarter. Tiffany Hayes hit her only three-pointers of the game in the quarter, scoring 10 points in the quarter for the Phantom.
Bueckers led the scoring in the third quarter with seven points as the Breeze took a 57-51 lead after the third quarter. This means that each team needed to reach 68 points or more to get the win. All things considered, this game was the most exciting of the four as the final quarter was close.
Ultimately, Jackson drained the game-winner with two points at the free throw line, the Breeze notched the first win in franchise history with a 69-62 victory over the Phantom.
Breeze – Phantom Recap
For Bueckers, she made a huge splash in her Unrivaled debut for the Breeze with 24 points, six assists, and five rebounds. Additionally, Dominique Malonga put up the first double-double in Breeze history with 17 points and 14 boards. She took home Player of the Game for her performance. Jackson added 16 points and five rebounds in the win.
As for the Phantom, Hayes led the team with 20 points while Aliyah Boston had 20 points with seven caroms. Also, guard Kelsey Plum contributed with 12 points, five rebounds, and four assists.
Next up for the Breeze on Friday is the other Unrivaled expansion team, the Hive while the Phantom face the Lunar Owls on Saturday.
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