In a highly anticipated matchup in the Unrivaled 3-on-3 basketball league, the Vinyl BC squad, powered by a strong performance from its stars, overwhelmed the expansion team Breeze BC on January 17, 2026. However, the game took a dramatic turn when veteran center Brittney Griner was ejected, adding fuel to an already electric contest.
Griner, who joined Vinyl BC for the 2026 season after playing for Phantom in the inaugural year, came off the bench and contributed significantly with 17 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocks. Her presence in the paint provided a defensive anchor for Vinyl, complementing the explosive scoring from Rhyne Howard, who erupted for a game-high 30 points on 10-of-18 shooting, along with 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals. Dearica Hamby added 21 points and 6 rebounds, helping Vinyl pull away decisively in what became a blowout victory.
The ejection occurred amid rising tensions, as Griner—known for her fiery competitiveness—received a second technical foul after a heated exchange, likely stemming from disputed calls in the fast-paced 3-on-3 format. While details of the incident remain under review, it marked a rare moment of disruption in an otherwise dominant showing for Vinyl, who showcased superior depth and execution against a young Breeze team led by Paige Bueckers.
Bueckers fought valiantly for Breeze, pouring in 25 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists on 9-of-20 shooting, including a strong fourth quarter with 13 points. Despite her efforts and perfect free-throw shooting to stay alive in the league’s $50k challenge, Breeze’s defense struggled to contain Vinyl’s balanced attack. The loss dropped Breeze to 2-2, highlighting growing pains for the roster featuring emerging talents like Rickea Jackson, Dominique Malonga, and Cameron Brink.
Griner’s ejection, while unfortunate, did little to derail Vinyl’s momentum as they continue building a strong start to the season. The incident underscores the high intensity of Unrivaled, where emotions run high in the compact, non-stop action. As the league progresses, all eyes will be on how Griner and Vinyl channel this energy into their playoff push, while Breeze looks to regroup and harness Bueckers’ leadership.
This clash between veteran power and youthful promise delivered excitement, intensity, and a reminder of why Unrivaled has quickly become a must-watch platform for women’s basketball talent.
