The race to the playoffs is heating up, and while the Laces have already secured their spot, they’re proving they’re far from done dominating. In a commanding performance, they dismantled Hive 76-61, showcasing why they’re the team to beat. But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: the Lunar Owls are refusing to go quietly, pulling off a stunning 75-70 upset over Breeze to keep their postseason dreams alive. And this is the part most people miss: with just a handful of games left, the playoff picture is anything but clear, and every win counts.
For the Laces, Brittney Sykes was unstoppable, pouring in 27 points on an efficient 10-for-15 shooting. Her most jaw-dropping moment? A 13-point scoring spree that spanned the end of the first quarter and the start of the second, leaving Hive scrambling to keep up. Jackie Young (15 points) and Alyssa Thomas (16 points, 13 rebounds) were equally vital, with Thomas delivering a masterclass in all-around play. Hive’s Sonia Citron (15 points) and Kelsey Mitchell (13 points) fought hard, but it wasn’t enough to halt the Laces’ momentum.
The game’s turning point came after Hive took a brief five-point lead in the first quarter. Naz Hillmon and Jordin Canada sparked a Laces rally, and Sykes’ relentless offense gave them a 21-17 edge heading into the second. By halftime, the Laces were up 44-34, and while Hive made occasional runs—thanks to Azurá Stevens’ 3-pointers and Natisha Hiedeman’s layups—the Laces never truly looked threatened. Jackie Young’s late-game heroics, including a five-point flurry, sealed the deal.
Meanwhile, the Lunar Owls’ victory over Breeze was a testament to their resilience. Aaliyah Edwards (24 points) and Skylar Diggins (23 points) combined for 47 points, while Rachel Banham added 12 points exclusively from beyond the arc. Dominque Malonga was a force for Breeze, scoring 29 points and even throwing down another dunk, but it wasn’t enough. Paige Bueckers, despite a slow start, finished with 19 points, and Courtney Williams kept Breeze in it with key baskets. Yet, the Owls’ balanced attack and clutch plays—like Marina Mabrey’s game-sealing layup—proved decisive.
Here’s the controversial question: Are the Laces truly unbeatable, or are they due for a wake-up call in the playoffs? And can the Lunar Owls sustain this momentum to sneak into the top six? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this season is far from over!
