Paige Bueckers’ Title Run Starts Now

^{January 03, 2025 | Edition #176}

Hey, Hoophead!

We entered the week with 12 undefeated teams. Now there are just seven. Welcome to conference play, people, where the margin for error disappears fast. And yes, it’s only just begun. A much-awaited matchup is on deck to decide who really owns the LA crown. And as college basketball starts to toughen up, it’s also setting the stage for the return of one of the game’s very best from the past. But first, let’s swing by Miami.

Paige Bueckers and Co. Could Breeze Past the Rest?

We put up a poll asking which Unrivaled club you were most excited about, and as expected, a majority of you picked the Breeze BC.

And one look at them in action made it clear why so many of you were all in!

Before the tournament tips off on January 5, Noelle Quinn’s side got their first scrimmage reps against the Lunar Owls, and they looked every bit as good as a team ready to make some noise this season.

Paige Bueckers finished with 21 points and three assists as Breeze BC secured a 70–58 win. And as the captain led the way, what stole the hearts was the chemistry. The pieces fit together really well.

Seriously, just watch this crazy Paige pass (from one corner to the other), fired at insane speed to Rickea. Yes…that one might hurt if you’re a Sparks fan.

And that's just how they continued to build a case as one of the strongest (and popular) teams in the tournament.

Last season’s championship run from Rose BC showed how effective a double-big lineup can be, with Azura Stevens and Angel Reese dominating the paint. Breeze BC now have the pieces to try something similar with Dominique Malonga and Cameron Brink.

On top of that, Paige has the makings of a clutch field general, much like what Chelsea Gray was for Rose. Add versatile pieces like Rickea Jackson, Aari McDonald, and Kate Martin.

Moreover, when it comes to opponents, with Napheesa Collier out of the tournament, the Lunar Owls already look short-handed. So, we’re betting on Breeze. They may lack experience, but the hunger makes up for it. This is a roster full of players with something to prove, backed by a coach who shares that same feeling.

So, it’s getting breezy out here in Miami. Are you feeling it yet?

Who Really Owns LA?

The new year has already delivered its share of ranked upsets, and something tells us there’s plenty more chaos still waiting around the corner.

We tip things off with an LA showdown that needs no introduction - UCLA vs. USC. And again, the Bruins hosts Trojans. We all still remember that iconic JuJu Watkins check-out after taking down the Bruins last year at home, right?

If not, you need to see just how hilarious it was!

Obviously, we don’t have that this year, but UCLA hosts USC again. Both teams are entering unbeaten in Big Ten play and looking to keep that streak alive. The USC Trojans have won four of the last five meetings, yet they won’t enter Pauley Pavilion as the favorites, and there are clear reasons why.

The biggest reason is the frontcourt. In the past, USC Trojans have been able to throw size and physicality at Lauren Betts. The frontcourt isn’t the same this year. That’s the test now waiting for Jazzy Davidson and Co. this Saturday, with tip-off set for 8 p.m. ET.

Moving on, UConn kicks off the new year against the Seton Hall Pirates, looking to protect their unbeaten record. Injuries, however, remain a concern, with five players sidelined, including KK Arnold. And due to these injuries, UConn looked out of rhythm against Providence.

Still, as long as Sarah Strong and Azzi Fudd keep delivering, UConn should have little trouble extending all-time record to 62–10 when play tips off at noon today.

Lastly, No. 8 TCU heads to the Jon M. Huntsman Center after Olivia Miles ended 2025 by pulling off something seen just once in NCAA Division I history. Check out what it was!

Now, there’s history on the line, again. A win over the Utah Utes would give TCU the longest single-season winning streak and the best start in program history. TCU are one of only eight unbeaten teams left in Division I, and they’ve been doing it convincingly.

All 14 wins have been by double figures, and as long as Miles continues her form, there’s every reason to believe TCU can keep rewriting the program’s history books.

Hilarious Is an Understatement! Watch Kim Mulkey’s Look-Alike Contest

Honoring the Era That Defined UConn

Be honest: We still speak about the 2012–2016 UConn Huskies era in awe!

With Breanna Stewart at the center of it all, the Huskies went on a four-year run that ended with four straight national championships. Crazy just doesn’t define it. No wonder when Stewie was asked whether Caitlin Clark needs a ring to be called the college basketball GOAT, her answer was brutal but honest.

This Thursday, Jan. 15, that era will be honored as UConn Huskies celebrate the 10th anniversary of their 2015 and 2016 NCAA titles while hosting the Villanova Wildcats at Gampel Pavilion.

The two teams will become the 10th and 11th national champions honored, joining nine previous title teams already on the Huskies of Honor wall. And as you’d expect, a star-studded group of alumni is set to return to Storrs to be inducted into the Huskies of Honor. 

Here’s the full list of attendees for the ceremony, headlined by Stewart and Napheesa Collier.

This also reminds us how the 2015 championship run could have gone sideways early. An overtime loss to Stanford Cardinal in just their second game snapped a 47-game winning streak and threatened to derail everything. But they didn’t let that demotivate them. The Lady Huskies stormed through the rest of the season with 37 straight wins and finished the job.

And if 2015 was dominance, 2016 was perfection. A flawless 38-0. Is another undefeated run in the cards for the 2025 squad?

Who’s Replacing Phee? Unrivaled Names Napheesa Collier Replacement After Injury

Fits That Took Over the Timeline

A series of dumps might be all over your feed. One of the year-end dumps that caught everyone’s attention came from Bam Adebayo. His post featured photos from a Disneyland visit back in July, and fans immediately noticed his and A’ja Wilson's outfits that paired way too well.

Go check those super goofy fits out! 

Meanwhile, the sneaker world continues to watch Stpeh Curry closely. This time, while nursing an ankle injury, Curry was spotted courtside wearing the Reebok Angel 1 in the “Receipts Ready” colorway.

And speaking of Angel Reese, the Bayou Barbie made sure all eyes were on her at the United Center, showing up in style to watch the Chicago Bulls take on the Orlando Magic. Whether she was cheering for Chicago or quietly backing Orlando, we can’t say for sure. What we do know is that she was one of the main attractions courtside.

Her fit left everyone stunned!

1. Azzi Fudd Shares the Unbelievable Thing She Did Involving the Dallas Wings - Full Story 

2. Caitlin Clark Kicks Off 2026 With $100,000 Announcement Away From WNBA - Full Story

3. Concerning SEC Signs Around LSU, Kim Mulkey After First Loss Is Clear as Day - Full Story 

That’s it for today, folks! We’ll look to knock on your inbox soon with more interesting stories!

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