The 3-on-3 Unrivaled league has quickly become a battleground for some of the most competitive players in women’s basketball.
On Monday night, the spotlight was on Golden State Valkyries guard Kate Martin and Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese, who brought their heated college rivalry to the professional stage in Miami, Florida.
The clash between Reese‘s Rose Basketball Club and Martin‘s Laces Basketball Club delivered fireworks, with Martin ultimately prevailing 71-64.
The matchup was as intense as expected, reigniting a rivalry that traces back to their NCAA days. Reese delivered a standout performance, but Martin‘s team proved superior, adding another layer of intrigue to their storied history.
In the first quarter, with the Laces holding a slim 13-12 lead, Reese made an aggressive drive to the basket. Kate Martin, refusing to back down, met Reese mid-air and committed a hard foul that sent Reese crashing to the floor.
Although Reese missed the shot, she converted her free throw attempt-worth two points under Unrivaled’s unique scoring system.
Social media buzzed with reactions to the clash. Fans were quick to share their opinions on the moment. “OMG Kate almost sent Barbie back to the bayou,” one fan quipped. “Kate low-key revenge fouling Angel,” another added.
“No way Angel scores if Kate doesn’t foul her…completely out of control,” a third commented.
Despite the loss, Reese tallied an impressive 17 points, seven rebounds, and two assists before fouling out. Martin contributed seven points, six rebounds, and a defensive presence that helped seal the victory. Kayla McBride delivered the game-winning shot for the Laces, adding to the drama.
From College Rivals to Professional Foes
The history between Reese and Martin goes back to the 2023 NCAA National Championship, where Reese‘s LSU Tigers dominated Iowa, 102-85, to claim the title.
However, Martin and Iowa exacted revenge in the 2024 Elite Eight, knocking LSU out of contention. These encounters have fueled a rivalry that continues to captivate fans.
Caitlin Clark, Martin’s best friend and Iowa teammate, was undoubtedly thrilled to see her ally triumph. Known for her competitive edge, Clark has been a consistent presence in the narrative surrounding Reese and Martin. Her support adds another layer of complexity to this already intense rivalry.
The next chapter in this saga is just around the corner, as Reese and Martin are set to face off again on Saturday in Unrivaled. Fans are eager to see if Reese can bounce back or if Martin and the Laces will maintain their momentum.
With each game, the rivalry grows more intense, solidifying the impact of these players on the evolving landscape of women’s basketball.