It’s Valentines Day, and the Unrivaled 1v1 Tournament Semi Finals are here!
If you’re a fan of women’s hoops, this unique, yet one of a kind tournament hasn’t disappointed. Down to four players, the Semi-Finals and Finals will take place tonight!
Who doesn’t love a good 1v1 matchup? If you’re a bettor, there’s excellent news on the horizon. DraftKings gives bettors the option to bet on individual matchups, along with the tournament winner.
(Photo by Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images)
Among the last four standing, there are University of Connecticut former Huskies. Talk about UConn on UConn crime, No. 1 Napheesa Collier (Lunar Owls) will matchup against No. 4 Azurá Stevens in the Semi-Finals.
In the other Semi-Finals bracket, No.1 Arike Ogunbowale (Vinyl) will face off against No. 8 Aaliyah Edwards (Mist).
Let’s take a look at the Unrivaled Semi-Finals and tournament winner odds for Friday, February 24.
Unrivaled Semi-Finals 1v1 Tournament DraftKings Odds
- Napheesa Collier (-250 ML) vs Azurà Stevens(+190 ML)
- Arike Ogunbowale (-130 ML) vs Aaliyah Edwards ( +110 ML)
Unrivaled 1v1 Tournament Winner DraftKings Odds
- Napheesa Collier: -115 ML
- Aaliyah Edwards: +350 ML
- Arike Ogunbowale: +350 ML
- Azurà Stevens: +450 ML
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Unrivaled 1v1 Semi-Finals: Arike Ogunbowale vs Aaliyah Edwards
- Arike Ogunbowale (—130 DraftKings)
Tonight we will see and intriguing semifinals matchup between Arike Ogunbowale and Aaliyah Edwards.
Not my top prediction from the start, I’ve always had Ogunbowale reaching the finals. A straight bucket, Arike is a shorter guard (5’8) who excels in getting down hill.
The fact Arike defeated Skylar Diggins- Smith makes me believe she’s a top option for a finalist. And trust me when I say it’s tough to keep up with Diggins- Smith. Utilizing her strength, we saw Ogunbowale when the shots weren’t falling to press down hill.
With impressive victories over Skylar-Diggins-Smith (12-8) and Satou Sabally (12-8), it hasn’t been an easy road for Arike. Especially against Sabally, who had a clear height advantage.
With a first round BYE, we’ve seen Ogunbowale utilize her speed to crash the boards
Although shooting an abysmal 31.8 % from the field, it’s been her elite rebounding (8.0 RPG) and free-throws (100 %) that have ultimately won her matchups.
Now she gets Aaliyah Edwards, who has shocked the basketball worker. A tough defender, we saw Edwards defeat co-starter Breanna Stewart, and then Allisha Gray.
How many players in Unrivaled can say they shut out Breanna Stewart in a 1v1 tournament. Even more impressive, Edwards knocked off a shifty guard in Gray. 12-6.
The lowest remaining seed in the semifinals, Edwards has nothing to lose. Already in the prize pool to some degree, she’s made a statement thus far.
Not usually known for a strong three point shot, Edwards is shooting 33.3 % from the three -point line. Grabbing six rebounds per game, she’s only drawn one foul through the tournament.
Final Unrivaled 1v1 Betting Predictions: Arike Ogunbowale (-130 DraftKings)
Overall, I’m picking Arike Ogunbowale to win this matchup and advance to the finals. While Edwards is a respectable player, I do believe Arike will have the edge in getting down hill, drawing the fouls, and speed for the rebounds.
Although a bit streaky from the three point line (33.3 %), she’s already had two tough matchups. For -130 odds, there’s great value there.
Unrivaled 1v1 Semi-Finals: Napheesa Collier vs Azurà Stevens
- Napheesa Collier Tournament Winner (-115 ML DK)
This matchup between Napheesa Collier and Azurà Stevens is going to be one for the books! Talk about a heart shaker, what’s better than two former Huskies battling for that grand prize of $200k?
As we know, Collier has been dominant, and is the clear cut best player in Unrivaled. In the standings, Collier leads the entire league in points (29.3), and rebounds per game (11.5)
The No. 1 seed for a reason, Collier bulldozed her way through Katie Lou Samuelson and Rickea Jackson through the first two rounds.
In the quarterfinals, Collier faced her teammate Courtney Williams in another fierce matchup. This time defeating Williams 12-4.
Shooting 6-12 from the field, Colliers had the clear height advantage over Williams
With that, her signature mid range fadeaways become automatic.
Accumulating 24 points over three 1v1 matchups, Collier hasn’t allowed an appointment to score over six points. An elite defender, she now has a unique task in guarding 6’6 Stevens.
The overall matchup against Stevens will give Collier around a five inch height disadvantage
We’ve seen her defeat Jackson, who had an inch lol clearance on Collier. But 6’6?
As Collier put it best in interviews, she will have to change up the plan. If that’s the case, I can’t see Collier settling for mid range shots off one leg. If anything, going under Stevens and attacking down hill may be the best bet. In fact, utilizing her speed and getting out to the three-point line may be all that Collier needs.
While I have Collier to win outright, the line is juiced at -250 odds
Meaning one would have to wager $250 to see a $100 profit.
If anything, this won’t be an easy matchup on both sides. For her size, Stevens moves similar to a guard, and this is what makes her so dangerous.
After a first round BYE, we saw Steven’s blank Shakira Austin, 11-4, and Rae Burrell, 12-2. Aggressive off the bounce in both matchup, Stevens is averaging five rebounds, in addition to 33.3 % from three-point range. Shooting a respectable 47.4 % from the floor, we haven’t seen Stevens draw a ton of fouls.
Final Unrivaled 1v1 Betting Predictions: Napheesa Collier Tournament Champion (-115 DraftKings)
Overall, I have Napheesa Collier coming out on top against Stevens. While she remains the only player to not sink a a three pointer, im not terribly worried. All collier needs is an inch of space, and its a bucket.
Through the tournament, Collier is pulling six rebounds per game on 15-33 (45.5 %) field goal shooting. Her unique ability to get to the charity stripe gives me reason alone she’ll come out with the victory. Stat wise, Collier is 100 % from the free-throw line in 1v1 competition.
With that, I have Collier to win the entire 1v1 tournament at -115 odds
One by one, we’ve seen some of the top guards taken out by forwards and centers so far.
1v1 is the last person standing. One of the most taxing styles of play, Colliers conditioning is unmatched. With that, her play has been flawless, yet to turn the ball over in the tournament.
While I do believe Collier will advance, the value is simply too high. If she gets past Steven’s, I do believe Collier will have the upper edge over Ogunbowale and Edwards.
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