In an electrifying matchup on Friday, Paige Bueckers showcased her remarkable skills yet again, scoring 28 points for the Breeze. However, despite her stellar performance, her team ultimately fell short, losing 70-68 to the Hive in a nail-biting contest held in Miami.
The game reached a thrilling climax when Sonia Citron executed a game-winning layup, sealing the comeback victory for the Hive, who now hold a record of 3-7 in league play. Meanwhile, the Breeze's record slipped to 5-5 after this close defeat.
The Hive displayed incredible resilience by overcoming a daunting 15-point deficit in the third quarter. At one point, they trailed 46-31 with just over six minutes remaining in that quarter. In a stunning turnaround, they initiated a 14-0 scoring spree, during which Citron contributed significantly by netting nine of her total 17 points.
As the game progressed, the teams exchanged leads fiercely. The Breeze managed to gain a slight edge at 57-51 late in the third quarter, but Hive quickly countered with a 9-2 run, flipping the score to their favor at 60-59.
Entering the fourth quarter, the intensity escalated with both teams aiming for an Elam Ending target score of 70 points. Cameron Brink made a crucial layup that tied the game at 68. However, on the Hive's next possession, Citron swiftly answered back with another layup, clinching the victory for her team.
Kelsey Mitchell was the standout player for the Hive, leading her team with 22 points. Additionally, Monique Billings impressively recorded a double-double, scoring 15 points while pulling down 17 rebounds, along with two blocks and two steals.
Bueckers not only led all scorers with her impressive 28 points from 23 shooting attempts, but also contributed seven rebounds and five assists to her team's efforts. Teammate Rickea Jackson added another 15 points to the scoreboard.
Currently, Bueckers is averaging a remarkable 25.0 points, 6.7 assists, and 6.1 rebounds per game over the course of 10 games. Looking ahead, she and the Breeze are eager to improve their record and are set to face off against the Lunar Owls, who hold a 2-7 record, on Tuesday, February 17. Meanwhile, the Hive will be going up against the top-ranked Laces, who boast a 7-2 record, on the same day.
