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Feb. 12, 2026, 12:46 p.m. ET
Unrivaled’s 1-on-1 tournament with its playground feel were on full display during the first round of action.
On Wednesday, 22 players went head-to-head in single-elimination games to see who would advance to the second round for a chance at the $300,000 prize pool. While there were several first-round upsets as the matchups unfolded, the most shocking game of the night was Mist guard Veronica Burton beating Breeze guard Courtney Williams, 11-0.
In just one minute and 23 seconds, Burton advanced, never giving Williams a chance to get the ball during the matchup’s make-it-take-it style. A stunned Williams seemingly couldn’t believe what happened.
“Wow Chat,” Williams said postame on X, “Not even getting the ball is crazyyyy.”
Outside of the thrilling Williams-Burton matchup, three No.1 seeds, Breanna Stewart, Paige Bueckers and Kelsey Mitchell, all moved on. Top players like Rose’s Chelsea Gray and Mist’s Arike Ogunbowale also punched their tickets to the next round.
WOMEN’S SPORTS: The latest news and insider insights from USA TODAY Studio IX.
Ahead of the second round, No.1 seed Allisha Gray and her matchup partner Vinyl’s Saniya Rivers have advanced after Rose’s Kahleah Copper and Breeze’s Rickea Jackson opted not to participate in the tournament. Lunar Owls guard Skylar Diggins, Laces guard Jordin Canada and forward Alyssa Thomas also declined.
Digggins and Canada’s decisions not to play advanced Phantom guard Kelsey Plum to face Hive guard Natisha Hiedeman in the second round. Phantom center Aliyah Boston also moves on after Thomas’ replacement, Laeticia Amihere, dropped out of the tournament on Wednesday.
Here’s an updated look at the Unrivaled 1-on-1 tournament bracket:
Unrivaled 1-on-1 Tournament first round results
Individual matchup winners are bolded. Results also include seed numbers in parentheses and the final score.
Pod A
(5) Veronica Burton vs (4) Courtney Williams; Final Score: 11-0(8) Rachel Banham vs (1) Kelsey Mitchell; Final Score: 12-3
Pod B
(5) Brittney Sykes vs (4) Arike Ogunbowale; Final Score:11-2(7) Natasha Cloud vs (2) Chelsea Gray; Final Score: 10-11(6) Aziaha James vs (3) Jackie Young; Final Score: 12-4(8) Kate Martin vs (1) Paige Bueckers; Final Score: 12-5
Pod C
(6) Sonia Citron vs (3) Marina Mabrey; Final Score: 12-10(7) Rae Burrell vs (2) Rhyne Howard; Final Score: 12-9
Pod D
(6) Shakira Austin vs (3) Dearica Hamby; Final Score: 12-10(7) Dominique Malonga vs (2) Aaliyah Edwards; Final Score: 11-8(8) Li Yueru vs (1) Breanna Stewart; Final Score: 11-6
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