The Unrivaled season 2 reached the finals phase of the regular season with a mid-season tournament, 1-on-1 matchups, pitting top players against each other. Experienced and versatile forward Breanna Stewart is the hot favorite to win the Unrivaled 1-on-1 contest despite the threat from Paige Bueckers.
But the 2025 rookie is also making a strong case for herself. She was up against her Breeze BC teammate Kate Martin and won the opening matchup with ease. Fans, though, pointed out a moment claiming that the referee favored the Wings’ guard.
WNBA Fans Suspect Mistakes In Whistle Calls For Paige Bueckers’ 1-On-1 Matchup
All four pods in the Unrivalled one-on-one matchup have top-ranked players, voted by participants and coaches. Former UConn star is one of those top four players who many would see in the semifinal round at least. Kelsey Mitchell also praised Bueckers for her game play and shooting prowess.
While playing against Kate Martin, the Dallas star had to go deep as the former Iowa star played her heart out, despite the 11-5 score line. The matchup looked exciting, with both players going at it. But a particular incident went viral in which Martin was looking for a comeback in the game, and the referee ruled in PB’s favor.
kate was fed up with these refs pic.twitter.com/ftJ6KRWHcP
— correlation (@nosyone4) February 12, 2026
Fans commented on the video, thrashing the favoritism. During the regular season games, too, Unrivaled faced criticism for inconsistent officiating.
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A fan writes, “Got to have the golden girl move on, you know.”
Got to have the golden girl move on, you know.
— Oscar Romero showed us the way. (@steve_sherwood) February 12, 2026
One fan commented, “Basically playing two on one.”
Basically playing two on one. 🤷♀️💕
— Strawberry32 (@Strawbrry32) February 12, 2026
Another fan said, “Chances of her winning were slim.”
Chances of her winning were slim and that’s what I would have told the referee “she doesn’t need your help to win so stop helping her” lol
— Dutch (@Onedutch69) February 12, 2026
I guess she could have asked her if they had money on the game 🙂
A fan pointed out, “This was so unfair.. they wanted P to win.”
This was so unfair.. they wanted P to win.
— Adrian Gilchrist (@adrgilchrist77) February 13, 2026
Another fan wrote, “Those refs are terrible.”
Those refs are terrible
— Nhbilly60 (@chaposonnem) February 12, 2026
The player is not only thriving on the Unrivaled court but has made a huge impact during the USA training camp in December. The players’ names are out for the FIBA World Cup qualifiers.
Paige Bueckers Earns Senior Team Call Up
Team USA is one of the decorated sides in FIBA World Cup competitions, and it is looking to maintain its reputation. In this edition, though, the management took a bold step, selecting young players over veterans. The Wings’ guard is among the host of talented stars that include Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, Rhyne Howard, Jackie Young, Chelsea Gray, Angel Reese, Sonia Citron, and Kiki Iriafen.
Introducing the 2026 USA Women's World Cup Qualifying Team 👊
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) February 11, 2026
🇺🇸 #USABWNT pic.twitter.com/c0FXW2ZM6U
PB already won multiple gold medals for Team USA at U-16 and U-19 tournaments, playing alongside many of the players selected for the World Cup qualifiers. It will be intriguing to see the young ones combine once again for glory.