Intense Showdown: Kate Martin Leads Laces to Victory Over Angel Reese’s Rose Basketball Club in Unrivaled
The 3-on-3 Unrivaled League has quickly established itself as a fierce battleground, bringing together some of the most competitive talent in women’s basketball. On Monday night, the spotlight shone on Golden State Valkyries guard Kate Martin and Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese, whose longstanding college rivalry took center stage in Miami, Florida, on the professional court.
The highly anticipated matchup between Reese’s Rose Basketball Club and Martin’s Laces Basketball Club did not disappoint, delivering a thrilling clash. In the end, Martin’s team emerged victorious, with a hard-fought 71-64 win, adding another intense chapter to their storied rivalry.
An Intense Rematch
The game reignited the fire of their rivalry, dating back to their college days. Despite a standout performance from Reese, Martin’s team held strong, clinching the win and further fueling the competition between the two.
The first quarter was tightly contested, with the Laces holding a narrow 13-12 advantage. It was during this time that Reese made a bold drive to the basket, only to be met by Martin, who refused to back down. Martin fouled Reese mid-air, causing her to crash to the floor. Reese missed her attempt, but she managed to sink her free throw, adding two points under Unrivaled’s unique scoring system.
As expected, the game quickly ignited a storm on social media. Fans weighed in, sharing their reactions to the dramatic moment. “OMG Kate almost sent Barbie back to the bayou,” one fan joked. “Kate low-key revenge fouling Angel,” another fan commented. A third fan shared, “No way Angel scores if Kate doesn’t foul her… completely out of control.”
Impressive Performances Despite the Loss
Despite the setback, Reese put up an impressive 17 points, seven rebounds, and two assists before fouling out. Martin contributed seven points, six rebounds, and a defensive presence that played a key role in securing the victory. Kayla McBride delivered the game-winning shot for the Laces, heightening the drama and excitement of the game.
A Rivalry with Deep Roots
The rivalry between Reese and Martin goes back to the 2023 NCAA National Championship when Reese’s LSU Tigers triumphed over Iowa, winning 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 fierce rivalry that has captivated fans and kept the drama alive.
Caitlin Clark, Martin’s best friend and Iowa teammate, was undoubtedly thrilled to see her ally’s victory. Known for her intense competitive spirit, Clark has been a consistent presence in the narrative surrounding Reese and Martin. Her support adds another dimension to this already heated rivalry.
What’s Next?
Looking ahead, the next chapter in this saga is just around the corner. Reese and Martin are set to face off again on Saturday in Unrivaled. Fans are eagerly anticipating whether Reese can bounce back from her loss or if Martin and the Laces will continue their momentum.
With each game, the rivalry intensifies, making a lasting impact on the evolving landscape of women’s basketball. The battles between these two players show no sign of slowing down, and fans will continue to watch eagerly as the drama unfolds.