First Round of 1 on 1 Tournament Delivers Shutout, Upsets and Narrow Finishes

MIAMI (Feb. 11, 2026) — With $200,000 awaiting the last player standing, Unrivaled’s second annual 1 on 1 Tournament Presented by Sprite began on Feb. 11 at Sephora Arena. The opening round delivered fierce matchups, bracket upsets, and a statement shutout.

Four players won their 1 on 1 debut, including Veronica Burton—who capped off night one with an 11-0 shutout win over Courtney Williams in the quickest game of round one—lasting just a minute and fifteen seconds.

“You have all the space in the world, so it just comes down to being able to guard your yard and be aggressive,” Burton said.

Eleven first round matchups were played, with five decided by three points or less.

Last year’s runner-up, Aaliyah Edwards, was tested early, earning an 11-8 win against Dominique Malonga.

“I don’t really get to play a lot of players who are really, really taller than me,” Edwards said. “It was a good matchup for me. Helped me get outside my comfort zone a little bit.”

First Round Results

Chelsea Gray defeats Natasha Cloud 11-10

The opening game of the tournament was also the closest of the night. Trailing 10-5, Gray sank back-to-back 3-pointers to clinch the game.

“I love the environment,” Gray said. “I love the feeling that it creates naturally on its own, and it's a cash prize—it’s no secret.”

Breanna Stewart defeats Li Yueru 11-6

Stewart opened with a 6-2 lead before Yueru tied it. A 5-0 run by Stewart closed the game, securing the first second round appearance in her 1 on 1 career.

“In 1 on 1 you have space—it's about creating a shot in seven seconds,” Stewart said. “I think that sometimes that's overlooked a little bit.”

Sonia Citron defeats Marina Mabrey 12-10

Citron jumped out to a 5-point lead before Mabrey responded with a 10-0 run. Citron answered with a 7-0 surge, capped by a fadeaway jumper to complete the comeback.

Citron highlighted the importance of strong defense in a 1 on 1 environment.

“I don't think everybody can really lock in on defense,” Citron said. “People are going to score, but if you can make it harder for them, it's a little bit easier for you.”

Kelsey Mitchell defeats Rachel Banham 12-3

In one of the largest victories of the night, Mitchell shined in her tournament debut.

After closing the game on a 10-0 run, Mitchell reflected on what makes 1 on 1 play so unique.

“You get a chance to figure out where your game is,” Mitchell said. “All that stuff that you create when you go to the gym by yourself, you get a chance to really see what it looks like.”

Arike Ogunbowale defeats Brittney Sykes 11-2

Ogunbowale set the tone early with a 9-0 run in a matchup that lasted just 1:58. As a semifinalist last year, she continues to thrive in the 1 on 1 spotlight.

“I like 1 on 1,” Ogunbowale said. “I do that in the offseason anyway, so it's good that I was able to play last year, but that's something I'm used to.”

Aaliyah Edwards defeats Dominique Malonga 11-8

Malonga opened with a 6-0 run before Edwards answered with a 9-0 streak to take control. The two then traded baskets as Edwards sealed the win with a fadeaway jumper.

Rae Burrell defeats Rhyne Howard 12-9

Burrell rallied back after trailing 7-0 to her Vinyl BC teammate, completing the largest comeback of the first round.

“Everybody knows how Rhyne is,” Burrell said. “She's a dog. I knew I had to stay locked in.”

Paige Bueckers defeats Kate Martin 12-5

Paige Bueckers secured a 12-5 victory over her Breeze BC teammate Kate Martin in her first 1 on 1 appearance. Bueckers held on despite a 5-0 run by Martin midway through the matchup and described the mental challenge of 1 on 1 play.

“It’s like tennis. It’s like boxing,” Bueckers said. “You’ve got to put yourself out of it — you’ve just got to be mentally tough.”

Shakira Austin defeats Dearica Hamby 12-10

Austin answered Hamby’s 5-0 start with a 6-0 run. The two exchanged baskets before Austin sealed the win with a running jumper.

Advancing to the second round for the second consecutive year, Austin knows what to focus on next.

“I just have to adjust to the physicality quicker,” Austin said. “Be stronger with my pickups and just dominate easier.”

Jackie Young defeats Aziaha James 12-4

Facing the tournament’s only Development Pool player, Young finished the game on an 8-0 run to advance after a First Round exit last year.

“I love the game,” Young said. “I’m just going out there and playing hard.”

Veronica Burton defeats Courtney Williams 11-0

In a game that lasted 1:15, Burton controlled the matchup from start to finish, never allowing Williams to gain possession.

Up Next

With the First Round complete, the bracket tightens as the tournament moves into the second round and quarterfinals. Action returns on Friday, Feb. 13, at 7:30 p.m. ET on TNT, truTV and HBO Max.

Second Round Matchups

Kelsey Mitchell vs. Veronica Burton

Kelsey Plum vs. Natisha Hiedeman

Paige Bueckers vs. Arike Ogunbowale

Jackie Young vs. Chelsea Gray

Allisha Gray vs. Saniya Rivers

Sonia Citron vs. Rae Burrell

Breanna Stewart vs. Aliyah Boston

Shakira Austin vs. Aaliyah Edwards