Lunar Owls guard Skylar Diggins-Smith ended Unrivaled’s inaugural game with a bang.
The former Notre Dame Fighting Irish star hit a three from the top of the line to complete a comeback 84-80 win against the Mist.
The league uses a target score to complete games, which is set by adding 11 points to the leading team’s point total after three quarters.
The Mist led 73-67 entering the fourth, but the Lunar Owls rallied, winning the final frame by 10, 17-7.
Diggins-Smith finished with 21 points on 8-of-17 shooting, including 3-of-8 from deep.
After the game, she spoke with TNT Sports’ Allie LaForce about the thrilling win.
“I didn’t really like my play in the first half,” Diggins-Smith said. “At halftime, [Courtney Williams] told me I needed to step my game up,” she laughed.
“But I just relied on my teammates. [The Mist] left the door open for us in the fourth. And that’s the thing about this game. You can come back at any time,” Diggins-Smith continued.
“I’m really proud of my team for their resilience… I’m happy we were able to get the first win in Unrivaled history.”
The game was an excellent way for the league to kick off. Both teams played at a high level.
Mist guard Jewell Loyd scored a game-high 34 points on 12-of-23 shooting.
Each squad completed over 50 percent of its field-goal attempts, but the game didn’t lack intensity. The teams combined for nine steals and five blocks. Mist guard DiJonai Carrington ran into the crowd while attempting to save a loose ball.
If Diggins-Smith’s winning three is a sign of what’s to come, Unrivaled will be a massive hit. Regardless of what comes next, her basket will always be the first.
