The opening slate of the 2026 Unrivaled season delivered a mix of statement wins and early lessons, with both returning teams and newcomers making their presence felt. Breeze BC closed the night with an impressive seven-point victory, powered by standout performances from their young core. Rookie sensation Paige Bueckers wasted no time announcing herself, pouring in 24 points in her Unrivaled debut after an award-winning WNBA season with the Dallas Wings. Elsewhere, the Mist secured their first win of the year against the Hive, leaning on Allisha Gray’s 21-point outing to set the tone.
The same momentum did not carry over to the Lunar Owls, a squad featuring Chicago Sky representation. Their Monday night opener quickly slipped away in an 80–60 loss to reigning champions Rose BC. Chelsea Gray was the engine behind the Rose’s dominance, finishing with 35 points and eight assists while once again thriving in the fast-paced 3-on-3 format. For the Owls, Aaliyah Edwards and Marina Mabrey provided much of the resistance, combining for 44 points and offering sparks in different stretches of the game.
Rose BC asserted control early, winning an initial battle in the paint and creating separation before the end of the first quarter. By halftime, the defending champions had built a commanding 25-point cushion. Azurá Stevens set the tone almost immediately, scoring Rose’s first eight points and showcasing her range with confident looks from all areas of the floor, including a transition three. In under 11 minutes of action, the former Sky standout recorded a 19-point double-double. Edwards did her best to keep the Owls competitive early, scoring 15 of the team’s first 19 points with assertive interior play. Temi Fágbénlé, stepping in as Napheesa Collier recovers from ankle surgeries, added four points and nine rebounds in limited minutes off the bench.
Despite the lopsided result, current and former Sky players still found opportunities to contribute. Rebecca Allen and Rachel Banham, teammates during Chicago’s 2025 campaign, reunited on the floor in their first appearances with the Lunar Owls. The duo combined for 12 points in just over 22 minutes, though the offense largely ran through Edwards and Mabrey. Allen earned a starting role and finished with six points, four rebounds, an assist, and a block, highlighted by an early defensive stop against Stevens. Operating mostly off the ball, she capitalized on open looks, knocking down two three-pointers created by Mabrey’s playmaking.
Banham provided energy in a reserve role, logging eight minutes off the bench with unwavering confidence. She attempted three shots from beyond the arc and converted two, accounting for all six of her points. She also added a rebound late in the game, showing activity on both ends despite limited time. While the Lunar Owls’ debut did not go as planned, the individual performances from Chicago’s representatives offered encouraging signs as the team looks ahead to its next matchup.
About the Author
