The race to the playoffs is heating up, and while Laces have already secured their spot, they’re proving they’re far from done dominating the Unrivaled league. In a commanding performance, they defeated Hive 76-61, showcasing why they’re the team to beat. But the real drama? Lunar Owls’ upset victory over Breeze 75-70, keeping their postseason dreams alive in a thrilling showdown. And this is the part most people miss: even with Laces’ dominance, the playoff picture is still far from clear, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.
For Laces, Brittney Sykes was unstoppable, dropping 27 points on an efficient 10-for-15 shooting. Her most jaw-dropping moment? A 13-point scoring spree bridging the first and second quarters that left Hive scrambling. Jackie Young and Alyssa Thomas weren’t far behind, with Young adding 15 points and Thomas delivering a double-double (16 points, 13 rebounds). Hive’s Sonia Citron (15 points) and Kelsey Mitchell (13 points) fought hard, but it wasn’t enough to halt Laces’ momentum.
The game started as a back-and-forth battle, tied 12-12 late in the first quarter. Then, Hive’s Natisha Hiedeman and Azurá Stevens combined for a quick five-point lead. But here’s where it gets controversial: Laces responded with a relentless 21-5 run, fueled by Sykes’ offensive mastery, that Hive could never fully recover from. By halftime, Laces led 44-34, and despite Hive’s efforts, the gap only widened in the second half. Sykes’ six-point burst in the third quarter and Young’s late-game heroics sealed the deal, leaving Hive trailing 65-56 entering the fourth.
Meanwhile, Lunar Owls’ victory over Breeze was a nail-biter. Dominque Malonga’s 29-point performance, including another highlight-reel dunk, nearly sparked a Breeze comeback. Yet, Aaliyah Edwards (25 points) and Skylar Diggins (22 points) led the Owls with a combined 47 points, while Rachel Banham’s 12 points from beyond the arc kept Breeze at bay. The question on everyone’s mind: Can Lunar Owls sustain this momentum to clinch a top-six spot?
The game’s intensity peaked in the fourth quarter, with Breeze cutting the deficit to just four points before Marina Mabrey’s clutch layup sealed the Owls’ win. With only a few games left, the playoff race remains wide open. Laces sit comfortably atop the league, but Lunar Owls have given themselves a fighting chance. What’s your take? Are Laces unstoppable, or can Lunar Owls pull off more upsets to secure their spot? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
