MEDLEY, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 07: Aaliyah Edwards #3 of the Mist and Azurá Stevens #23 of Rose compete … [+]
The stakes are high as four elite players stand on the brink of Unrivaled history, ready to battle it out in the first-ever Semifinal round in Unrivaled’s 1v1 Tournament. The motivation is certainly there, with the tournament winner taking home a $200,000 prize, the runner-up earning $50,000, and each of the four semifinalists securing $25,000.
The Semifinals are set to kick off on Friday, Feb. 14, live on TNT and streaming on MAX. The opening matchup, featuring Aaliyah Edwards and Arike Ogunbowale, will start at 7:30 PM ET. Following that, Napheesa Collier will face Azura Stevens at 7:45 PM.
Aaliyah Edwards (2020-2024), Azurá Stevens (2017-18) and Napheesa Collier (2015–2019), all played for the University of Connecticut under Coach Geno Auriemma, who holds the record for most wins (1,236) and highest winning percentage (.882) among college coaches with a minimum of 10 seasons, at any level, men’s or women’s. Edwards, Stevens and Collier were key players in one of the most successful collegiate programs in history, all three are forwards or centers, using their size and versatility to dominate on both ends of the court.
But while Edwards, Stevens, and Collier share the same college roots, Ogunbowale is the only guard remaining in the tournament. A former standout at Notre Dame, Ogunbowale led her team to a NCAA National Championship in 2018 and hit two iconic game-winning 3-pointers in the Tournament. She’s also well-known for her connection with the late, great Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, who encouraged her as she developed into one of the most clutch players in the game. Ogunbowale’s incredible quickness and scoring ability make this matchup one of contrasts—physicality versus speed, size versus agility.
Unrivaled 1v1: Aaliyah Edwards Vs. Arike Ogunbowale, Strength Meets Speed
MEDLEY, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 03: Arike Ogunbowale #24 of the Vinyl dribbles the ball against the Lunar … [+]
Standout Forward Aaliyah Edwards is showing the world what she’s truly worth in this tournament. With dominant performances, including a stunning win over 2x WNBA MVP Brianna Stewart, Edwards is showcasing her raw talent. She credits her recent growth in Unrivaled to individual sessions with Coach Handy, noting major improvements in her ball-handling, footwork, and ability to attack the basket. “My ball-handling, my ability to attack the basket, and my footwork have all improved drastically,” Edwards shared. With that momentum, she’s ready to face Arike Ogunbowale, one of the league’s most explosive players.
Edwards knows Ogunbowale won’t be an easy opponent. Known for her speed and craftiness, Ogunbowale presents a unique challenge. “I have to use my size and stick to my strengths,” Edwards said. “But I can’t let her frustrate me. She’s quick and crafty, so I need to stay composed.” Edwards understands that Ogunbowale’s explosive scoring ability can quickly shift the balance of the game, and she’s prepared for the physical battle ahead. “It’s about imposing my will and getting the job done,” Edwards said.
Ogunbowale, on the other hand, has proven herself in high-stakes situations. As the only guard left in the tournament, her quickness and scoring ability have been her weapons of choice. “I love playing one-on-one. It’s all about taking ownership of the game and using my skills,” Ogunbowale said. She knows she’ll need to rely on her speed to get around Edwards and avoid being outmuscled. “I’m going to have to use my speed to get around Aaliyah. She’s strong, but I know I can outmaneuver her.”
For Ogunbowale, the key to success is simple: stay true to her game. “I’ve just been playing my game, staying true to what I do best,” she explained. With confidence and a no-nonsense attitude, Ogunbowale is poised to prove that her quickness and shooting ability can overcome Edwards’ size and strength. “It’s all about who makes the first move,” Ogunbowale said. “Whoever takes control early will set the tone.”
Unrivaled 1v1: Azura Stevens Vs. Napheesa Collier, Versatility & All-Around Strength
MEDLEY, FLORIDA – JANUARY 31: Napheesa Collier #24 of the Lunar Owls drives to the basket against … [+]
Meanwhile, on the other side of the bracket, Azurá Stevens of Rose BC faces Unrivaled Co-Founder, Napheesa Collier of Lunar Owls BC in what promises to be a big time matchup. Stevens, a 6’6 towering presence with incredible versatility, is ready for the challenge. Known for her ability to shoot from anywhere on the floor, Stevens has used her length and finesse to dominate the tournament. Collier, however, brings a different dynamic. She’s an all-around athlete who thrives in competitive situations and uses her speed and technical ability to her advantage.
Stevens acknowledges that Collier’s fitness and competitive edge will push her to elevate her game. “Her motor is unmatched,” Stevens said, recognizing Collier’s ability to attack the basket and apply pressure on defense. “It’s going to be a great battle, as our games are very similar. We both have the ability to score in a variety of ways.” Stevens also emphasized the importance of pacing herself in the one-on-one format. “I try to conserve some energy in between possessions, especially when the games get really tiring,” she said, knowing that the one-on-one format demands even more from each player.
Collier, meanwhile, sees the tournament as an opportunity to showcase her versatility. “You’re putting yourself out there. There’s a lot of vulnerability because you’re on a stage, and sometimes things don’t go as planned,” Collier explained. However, she has embraced the challenge. “I stick to my hotspots, particularly in the mid-range, where I feel confident. And defense is key. If they can’t score, they can’t win.”
Unrivaled 1v1: Exceeding Expectations
MEDLEY, FLORIDA – JANUARY 31: Azurá Stevens #23 of Rose shoots the ball over Brittney Griner #42 of … [+]
As the semifinals approach, one thing is clear: the Unrivaled 1v1 Tournament has already exceeded expectations, providing a platform for players like Edwards, Ogunbowale, Stevens, and Collier to showcase their skills outside of the traditional 5v5 format. “It’s really helping to change the culture of women’s basketball,” Stevens shared. “We’re doing something that’s rarely seen in our sport: one-on-one play. This is a space where we can really showcase our individual skills.”
For Collier, this tournament represents a breakthrough moment. “When you think about the culture of women’s sports, we don’t see pick-up games or one-on-one play as often as in men’s sports,” she said. “But this tournament is giving us that platform to show the world what we’re capable of on our own terms.”
Unrivaled 1v1: Inaugural Championship On The Line
MEDLEY, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 07: Aaliyah Edwards #3 of the Mist controls the ball against Angel Reese … [+]
Each of these players has something to prove. Edwards, a rising star, is eager to establish herself among the league’s elite, while Ogunbowale aims to solidify her dominance as one of the top 1v1 players. Stevens and Collier are showcasing the incredible versatility of bigs. With a $200,000 grand prize on the line, the stakes are sky-high.
Friday’s semifinals are a must-watch as the Unrivaled 1v1 Tournament continues to deliver unforgettable moments, highlighting the unique talent that makes women’s basketball so exciting. Will Aaliyah Edwards’ strength and size trump Ogunbowale’s speed and quickness? Can Stevens’ versatility outshine Collier’s all-around game? The answers are just around the corner, but one thing is clear: Unrivaled is truly redefining the future of women’s basketball.
