Unrivaled’s Fiercest Rivalry Could Culminate in the Finals
The stage is set for what could be the ultimate rematch in Unrivaled women's basketball. The Lunar Owls and the Rose, two teams locked in the league’s most intense rivalry, are not just competing for bragging rights—they’re fighting for a championship. And if the latest battle between them was any indication, a potential Finals matchup could be electric.
In the latest installment of their growing feud, the Lunar Owls delivered a statement win on Friday night, storming back to defeat the Rose 66-56 in the final weekend of the regular season. While the victory secured their No. 1 seed heading into the playoffs, it also solidified their status as the team to beat.
A Clash of Titans with Championship Stakes
The Lunar Owls, now sitting at an impressive 12-1, have been the dominant force in Unrivaled this season. And with the playoffs fast approaching, they have their sights set on more than just wins—they’re after the $50,000 championship prize announced by the league.
“We’re public enemy No. 1,” said Lunar Owls guard Courtney Williams, embracing the target on their backs. “This is not a Super Bowl for us. This is like another rodeo. We’re going to continue stacking days, and we’re going to keep taking down whatever team is in front of us, because we’re going to get those 50 bands.”
Williams, along with forward Shakira Austin, played a pivotal role in turning the tide in favor of the Owls. Coming off the bench, the duo ignited a third-quarter surge that shifted momentum decisively. Austin was particularly dominant, scoring 17 points in under 14 minutes, while Williams added 12 points in nearly as much time.
“No team led by more than four points until that stretch in the third,” Austin said. “Me and Court, we came in and had that fire. We’ve been trying to set our own tone—not just building on what the starters did, but making people stay on their toes a little bit more.”
Their energy fueled an eight-point swing that extended into the fourth quarter, ultimately securing the victory. Lunar Owls head coach DJ Sackmann was quick to praise their impact.
“Shakira and Courtney just gave us unbelievable minutes,” Sackmann said. “They’re both starters, and they can play on any team in the world and get a lot of minutes. We all know that.”
Physicality and Fire: The Essence of the Rivalry
The animosity between the Lunar Owls and the Rose has been brewing all season. They split their first two matchups, with the Lunar Owls taking the first on Jan. 18 (79-70) before the Rose handed them their only loss of the season on Feb. 21 (72-63).
Friday’s game was no different, featuring intense, physical play from start to finish. Rose guard Brittney Sykes and Lunar Owls forward Skylar Diggins-Smith battled fiercely on both ends, while Austin and Rose center Angel Reese exchanged heated moments under the basket. The tension peaked in the third quarter when Reese was whistled for an offensive foul after her elbow made contact with Napheesa Collier’s face.
Despite the loss, Sykes acknowledged the importance of these high-stakes matchups in preparing for the playoffs.
“You look at these teams from top to bottom, and you see nothing but passionate and competitive-ass players,” Sykes said. “So, when you put this type of format with players that we have on our teams, respectively, it’s going to be a dog fight every time.”
The Rose, now 7-6, have already secured a playoff spot and remain the second seed heading into the postseason. With Reese and Sykes each contributing 17 points and Chelsea Gray adding 10, they know what it takes to challenge the Lunar Owls.
“We knew coming into this game it was going to be a game with a playoff atmosphere,” Sykes added. “Obviously, we hate that we lost tonight. Nobody likes to lose, but also, we got a taste of what playoffs could potentially be. … By all means, we would love to see them again.”
Playoff Picture: A Championship Collision Course?
With the playoffs set to begin on March 16, the possibility of a fourth and final showdown between these teams looms large. If both the Lunar Owls and the Rose handle business in their respective semifinal matchups, the Unrivaled championship game on March 17 could be the most anticipated game in league history.
The Rose will need to navigate a challenging semifinal test, while the Lunar Owls will enter the playoffs as the clear favorites. But as their only loss this season has shown, anything can happen when these two teams collide.
Elsewhere in Unrivaled: Playoff Seeds and Eliminations
Beyond the Lunar Owls and the Rose, the rest of Unrivaled’s playoff picture took shape on Friday night.
In the first game of the evening, the Laces secured a crucial 73-59 win over the Phantom, officially eliminating them from postseason contention. Kayla McBride starred with 22 points, including the game-winning three-pointer, while Jackie Young (18 points) and Stefanie Dolson (16 points) provided key contributions off the bench.
The Laces (6-7) are now the No. 3 seed and will face the Mist (5-7, No. 4) in a pivotal Saturday matchup. Meanwhile, the Vinyl (5-7, No. 5) will take on the already-eliminated Phantom in another contest.
The regular season wraps up Monday, with the Lunar Owls meeting the Mist and the Vinyl taking on the Rose in what could serve as a preview for the playoffs.
Final Thoughts: A Rivalry Set for a Championship Stage?
With the playoffs approaching, all eyes are on the Lunar Owls and the Rose. Their rivalry has become the defining storyline of Unrivaled’s inaugural season, showcasing elite-level basketball and fierce competition.
If fate aligns and these two juggernauts meet again on March 17, expect another battle filled with physicality, emotion, and championship stakes. The question remains: Can the Rose find a way to dethrone the dominant Lunar Owls? Or will the Owls continue their reign and claim the $50,000 prize?
One thing is certain—women’s basketball has never been more thrilling.
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