The inaugural WBCA Challenge tipped off in Las Vegas yesterday, delivering two high energy games that set the stage for a thrilling tournament. Fans at the Michelob ULTRA Arena were treated to a surprising upset and a clash of top tier talent as all four participating schools Fairfield, South Florida, UCLA, and North Carolina showed they are ready for the national stage.

Game 1: Fairfield Edges South Florida in a Gritty Battle (Fairfield 80, USF 72)

The opening matchup saw the Fairfield Stags (3-0) secure an impressive 80-72 victory over the South Florida Bulls (2-1), who entered the contest as the AAC preseason favorites. The Stags started hot with an early barrage of three pointers, but USF refused to back down, using two crucial 10-0 scoring runs across the second and third quarters to take a brief lead late in the game. Fairfield ultimately relied on a clutch 8-0 run in the final quarter to seal the upset.

Player of the Game: Kaety L’Amoreaux, Fairfield

Fairfield’s guard Kaety L'Amoreaux was the undeniable difference maker, taking Player of the Game honors. She delivered a spectacular performance, scoring 28 points while also showcasing her court vision with 6 assists and adding 8 rebounds. Her poise and perfect free throw shooting down the stretch were vital to the Stags win.

Bulls Standout: Katie Davidson

For the Bulls, the scoring was well distributed, and guard Katie Davidson stepped up as the team's leading scorer with 17 points. Not far behind was Edyn Battle who contributed 15 points, and impressively surpassed the 1,500-career point milestone during the game. Forward L'or Mputu dominated the glass with 12 rebounds.

Game 2: No. 3 UCLA Dominates the Paint to Defeat No. 11 UNC (UCLA 78, UNC 60)

The nightcap featured a Top-15 showdown that ultimately belonged to the No. 3 UCLA Bruins (4-0), who overpowered the No. 11 North Carolina Tar Heels (2-1), 78-60. UNC’s defense held strong early, even leading 17-12 after the first quarter, but the Bruins’ superior size and talent proved too much in the end. UCLA exploded in the third, hitting nine consecutive field goals to pull away for good.

Player of the Game: Lauren Betts, UCLA

UCLA’s dominant center Lauren Betts showcased her All-American potential, earning Player of the Game honors. She posted a sensational line of a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Even more impressively, she facilitated the offense with 7 assists, highlighting her ability to command the game from the post. Point guard Kiki Rice also notched a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds.

Tar Heels Standout: Elina Aarnisalo

North Carolina struggled to find consistent offense against the Bruins' formidable size, but guard Elina Aarnisalo led the effort. She paced the Tar Heels with 13 points and added 3 rebounds and 3 assists, helping UNC stay within a point at halftime. Indya Nivar and Ciera Toomey also reached double figures with 11 points each.

WBCA Challenge: Saturday's Final Day Schedule

The inaugural WBCA Challenge concludes on Saturday, November 15th, with two more compelling matchups:

Game 1 3:00 p.m PT Fairfield Stags vs. No. 11 North Carolina Tar Heels

Game 2 6:00 p.m PT South Florida Bulls vs. No. 3 UCLA Bruins

WBCA Challenge Kicks Off in Vegas

Game 1: Fairfield Edges South Florida in a Gritty Battle (Fairfield 80, USF 72)

Game 2: No. 3 UCLA Dominates the Paint to Defeat No. 11 UNC (UCLA 78, UNC 60)

Tar Heels Standout: Elina Aarnisalo

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