A thrilling championship game took place on Wednesday night at the Sephora Arena in Miami for Unrivaled. Season Two is officially completed, and it was a success in every aspect. The championship game was between the Mist and the Phantom, and it came down to free throws to crown the champion. Co-founder Breanna Stewart made the game-winning free throw, which counted as two points for the Mist. The Mist defeated the Phantom 80-74, winning a team prize of $600,000.
Mist vs. Phantom Championship Game
The two teams were closely matched throughout the first three quarters, but the main difference came in the third quarter when the Phantom utilized a smaller lineup. At the 1:28 mark, the Mist held a narrow lead of 61-58, and the Phantom could have regained the lead if it had a stronger lineup. The Phantom had three guards on the floor—Kelsey Plum, Tiffany Hayes, and Natasha Cloud—all of whom are explosive offensively. Still, this smaller lineup struggled to defend against the Mist’s powerful lineup, which included Arike Ogunbowale, Stewart, and Alanna Smith. The Mist’s superior size ultimately determined the outcome of the game.
Head Coach Roneeka Hodges of the Phantom should have considered keeping Kiki Iriafen in the lineup to match the Mist’s physical presence. Kiki finished the game with 11 rebounds. The Mist ended the third quarter leading 68-62. If it hadn’t been for the Phantom’s lineup change in the third quarter, the outcome of the game could have been different, as it was truly anyone’s game. Both teams finished the first quarter tied at 24-24 and the second quarter tied at 19-19.
The crucial factor in the game was the third quarter, during which the Mist outscored the Phantom’s 25-19. In the final quarter, both teams finished evenly, each scoring 12 points. In the last play of the game, Stewart drove to the rim for a shot while being defended by Hayes. A foul was initially called on the offensive side, but the Mist challenged the call. Unfortunately for Hayes, the call was overturned. This resulted in Stewart being awarded free throws, and she only needed to make one free throw to secure the victory for the Mist. Hayes ultimately fouled out with six fouls.
Key Players for Each Team:
Phantom
- Plum = 40 points and five assists
- Iriafen = 11 rebounds
Mist
- Stewart = 32 points
- Smith = six rebounds
- Veronica Burton = five assists
Other Key Players With Solid Performances:
Mist
- Arike = 19 points
- Allisha Gray = 12 points
Phantom
- Hayes = 12 points
- Cloud = 9 points
- Kiki = 13 points
Season Two of Unrivaled was incredible, larger and more impressive than the first season. Many fans are sad that the season has ended. Unfortunately, they will have to wait another year for more thrilling moments.
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