MIAMI (Feb. 20, 2026) — Hive BC closed the night with a thrilling 80-78 victory over Rose BC in a game that saw 19 lead changes and 16 ties. The clubs combined for a league-record 61 points in the first quarter, setting the tone for a back-and-forth battle.

“Women’s basketball is it. Invest in women’s sports,” Hive BC head coach Rena Wakama said. “This is huge—you’ve got the best players on the court, so I’m not surprised.”

Kelsey Mitchell recorded a career-high 27 points to lead the Hive as Azurá Stevens added 20 points off the bench in her second game with the club. Monique Billings finished with 18 points and 10 rebounds for her eighth double-double of the season.

Mitchell said Hive BC remains focused on maximizing every opportunity.

“We can’t take these opportunities for granted,” Mitchell said. “Anytime I get a chance to step on the floor and get it right, I’m going to try to do that. I think that’s the goal for all of us.”

Kahleah Copper led the Rose with a career-high 29 points. Shakira Austin added 17 points and nine rebounds and Chelsea Gray contributed 16 points and eight rebounds as the Rose’s starters combined for 62 of its 78 points.

Angel Reese finished with 13 points and eight rebounds in her 2026 debut with the Rose.

“Anytime you have Angel Reese on your team, it’s a good thing,” Rose BC head coach Nola Henry said. “She brings a high level of competitiveness.”

Copper scored Rose’s first seven points as the clubs traded baskets early. The Hive took a 31-30 lead after one behind 10 first-quarter points from Mitchell, while Copper scored 11 in the opening frame.

Stevens hit three 3-pointers in the second quarter to spark a 10-0 Hive run, but the Rose answered late to trim the deficit to five at halftime. Copper had 18 first-half points, while Stevens scored 16.

The Rose regained control in the third with a 15-8 run, holding the Hive to 4-of-17 shooting in the period to take a two-point lead into the fourth.

Mitchell scored seven straight points to begin the final period to put the Hive back in front. Austin converted an and-one to pull the Rose within one basket of a win. Mitchell responded with a free throw, then drove into the paint on the ensuing possession, finishing at the rim for the game-winner—her second against the Rose this season.

Up next: Hive (4-8) faces Phantom BC (9-3) on Sunday, February 22, at 7:30 p.m. ET. Rose (5-7) meets Laces BC (9-3) on Sunday, February 22, at 8:45 p.m. ET.