WBCA Challenge Las Vegas: Final Day Results & Wrap-Up
The inaugural WBCA Challenge wrapped up its two day showcase on Saturday, November 15th, delivering two final matchups at Michelob ULTRA Arena. The day featured a determined Fairfield team challenging No. 11 North Carolina, followed by a dominant performance from No. 3 UCLA that secured their perfect weekend record.
Game 1: UNC Outlasts Resilient Fairfield Squad (UNC 82, Fairfield 68)
In the day's opener, the Fairfield Stags (3-1), fresh off an upset victory on Thursday, pushed the No. 11 North Carolina Tar Heels (3-1) to the limit before falling 82-68. The Stags came out firing, using an 11-0 run to build a surprising 19-11 lead after the first quarter. Although UNC used a huge 26-6 second quarter to take the lead, Fairfield fought back, cutting the deficit to just three points in the third.
Player of the Game: Laila Hull, North Carolina
The Tar Heels relied on a collective effort to secure the win, with five players reaching double figures. Laila Hull was recognized for her standout performance, leading the team with a career high 14 points, doing significant damage from long range with four three pointers. Nyla Brooks, Nyla Harris, and Ciera Toomey each added 12 points as UNC's defense forced turnovers and capitalized on fast break opportunities.
Stags Standout: Janelle Brown
Fairfield’s offensive effort was spearheaded by guard Janelle Brown, who delivered a remarkable performance in her first start of the season, leading the Stags with 16 points. Brown was flawless, shooting 5-for-5 from the field and 5 for 5 from the free-throw line.
Kaety L'Amoreaux continued her strong weekend, scoring 15 points and leading the team with 8 assists.
Game 2: UCLA’s Depth Too Much for South Florida (UCLA 94, USF 61)
The weekend showcase concluded with the No. 3 UCLA Bruins (5-0) extending their winning streak with a comprehensive 94-61 victory over the South Florida Bulls (2-2). The Bruins started with immediate intensity, leaping out to a 29-8 lead after the first quarter, ultimately overwhelming the Bulls with team efficiency and exceptional offensive balance.
Player of the Game: Charlisse Leger-Walker, UCLA
The Bruins dominant team effort was personified by graduate guard Charlisse Leger-Walker, who was named Most Outstanding Player for her performance. She led a balanced attack with 16 points and guided the offense with 7 assists.
The Bruins depth was evident as six players scored in double figures, highlighted by Gabriela Jaquez's perfect 7 for 7 shooting night for a team high 17 points.
Bulls Standout: Katie Davidson
Despite the final score, the South Florida Bulls showed glimpses of their offensive capability against one of the nation's top teams, putting up 24 points in the second quarter the most points UCLA has allowed in any single quarter this season.
Katie Davidson finished as the leading scorer for USF with 16 points, securing her fourth double digit game of the year. Stefanie Ingram was also effective, adding 13 points in the contest.
WBCA Challenge Wrap-Up
The inaugural WBCA Challenge provided immediate excitement, with every team showcasing talent and tenacity.
UCLA finished 2-0, cementing its status as one of the country's elite programs.
North Carolina finished 1-1, bouncing back from its loss to UCLA with a win over Fairfield.
Fairfield finished 1-1, earning a massive statement victory over USF on Thursday.
South Florida finished 0-2 against two ranked opponents but showcased periods of potent offense.