On Wednesday, Kelsey Mitchell, Paige Bueckers, and Breanna Stewart all secured victories to move forward in the Unrivaled 1-on-1 basketball tournament. Mitchell dominated Rachel Banham, while Bueckers defeated Kate Martin with a 12-5 score, and Stewart overcame Li Yueru 11-6. These wins set the stage for a challenging next round as the competition heats up.
When asked about her win over Martin, Bueckers commented on the difficulty of the match:
“It’s tough. Kate’s a competitor. I can see that as her teammate every single day. She wants to win and compete. She wasn’t gonna make anything easy, so we both had to work hard for it.” ?Paige Bueckers, Player
Mitchell described what she enjoys most about 1-on-1 play, emphasizing the individual creativity it allows:
“Probably the creativity and trying to be you. You’re gonna control games.” ?Kelsey Mitchell, Player
As for Stewart, who co-founded Unrivaled, she expressed enthusiasm about facing Aliyah Boston next, noting that Boston advanced without contest this round and highlighted her confidence in adapting her skills to one-on-one competition.
Upcoming Challenges Promise Intense Matchups for Top Players
Looking ahead, Paige Bueckers will face a familiar opponent in Arike Ogunbowale, her former Dallas Wings teammate, who defeated Brittney Sykes with an 11-2 score. Both players are recognized as among the best shooters and scorers in the WNBA. Victory over Ogunbowale would likely pit Bueckers against either Chelsea Gray or Jackie Young.
Kelsey Mitchell’s next adversary is Veronica Burton, a strong defensive force who claimed an emphatic 11-0 win against Courtney Williams. Should Mitchell advance, she could then meet Kelsey Plum or Natisha Hiedeman, both formidable WNBA talents.
Breanna Stewart’s path appears particularly demanding as she prepares to face Aliyah Boston, a leading MVP contender and a dominant presence in the paint. If Stewart manages an upset, she might encounter a rematch against Aaliyah Edwards or a showdown with Shakira Austin in the following round.
Background on Competitors’ Unrivaled 1v1 Experiences
Bueckers and Mitchell are newcomers to the Unrivaled competition and both have made strong first impressions with their opening round wins. Stewart, who entered the tournament last year, experienced a surprising first-round exit after an 11-0 loss to Aaliyah Edwards—who herself was runner-up to Napheesa Collier in last year’s championship game.
Physical and Mental Demands of the Tournament Highlighted by Competitors
All three players acknowledged the difficulty and physical nature of the sudden-death, one-on-one format, suggesting that progressing to the championship will require overcoming significant hurdles. The tournament’s structure tests not only their skills but also adaptability under intense pressure.
Competitors’ Perspectives on the Path Forward
Stewart, confident in how her playing style suits 1v1 contests, looks forward to matching up against Boston. Bueckers and Ogunbowale’s upcoming clash brings added intrigue due to their familiarity as teammates, while Mitchell’s encounters with Burton and potential subsequent opponents promise a defensive challenge to her offensive prowess.
This tournament continues to showcase elite talent from the WNBA and beyond, offering fans a unique look at individual skill and competitive grit. As the rounds progress, anticipation builds for who will emerge as the Unrivaled 1-on-1 champion, with every matchup carrying significant weight and excitement.
Paige needed a moment to catch her breath with @ROSGO21 after winning a BATTLE against Kate Martin 😮💨😂 pic.twitter.com/WRJGLa3n0S
— TNT Sports U.S. (@TNTSportsUS) February 12, 2026
Kelsey Mitchell speaks about her creativity in 1-on-1 pic.twitter.com/yL1NhE9Xcp
— Moreau Sports Media Prod Co. (@MoreauSportsCo) February 12, 2026
Stewie talks about her matchups against AB & her game being suited for 1-on-1 pic.twitter.com/DFMbpxfuSW
— Moreau Sports Media Prod Co. (@MoreauSportsCo) February 12, 2026
