What an exciting day for basketball fans and the media. The second season of Unrivaled debuted on Monday, and the defending champions, the Rose, did not disappoint. They defeated the Lunar Owls with a score of 80-60. Chelsea Gray hit a crucial 3-pointer to seal the victory for the Rose. The Owls were unprepared for this Rose team, and from the beginning, they struggled with their defense. Rose dominated the game, winning every quarter.
Rose vs. Lunar Owls
The Rose team excelled in most categories during the game. They recorded a shooting percentage of 32.1% from three-point range and demonstrated stronger defensive skills. The key difference was Rose’s impressive 11 steals, compared to the Owls, who managed only one steal throughout the game. Additionally, the Rose showcased better ball movement, finishing the match with 12 assists. A significant contributor to their success was the Point Gawd, Gray, who had an outstanding performance, scoring 35 points, dishing out eight assists, securing three steals, and grabbing five defensive rebounds. Azurá Stevens also had a strong game, contributing 19 points and 10 rebounds. The Rose’s ability to maintain possession of the ball played a critical role in their victory, as they recorded only four turnovers.
The Lunar Owls had some impressive moments throughout the game. The dynamic duo of Aaliyah Edwards and Marina Mabrey showcased their skills and demonstrated great chemistry on the court. In their first game of the Unrivaled new season, the Connecticut Sun teammates did not disappoint. Edwards finished with 23 points, 12 rebounds, and one steal, playing for 18 minutes. Mabrey had an outstanding performance with 21 points, nine assists, eight rebounds, and one steal, spending 22 minutes on the court. The new addition to the Owls, Temi Fágbénlé, contributed with four points and nine rebounds.
It wouldn’t be a Mabrey game without some on-court excitement, and this time it came in the form of a scuffle between Marina and Sug Sutton. Even though their altercation was physical, nothing serious occurred. This kind of energy is a typical part of Mabrey’s games, and it certainly keeps the spectators entertained.
The next set of games will take place on Friday, Jan. 9, at 7:30 PM ET and 8:45 PM ET. They will be televised on TNT and truTV.
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