The Minnesota Lynx and Lunar Owls star fell 9-6 to Edwards in Game 1 but rebounded with a 9-4 win in Game 2. In the tournament-deciding Game 3, Collier shut Edwards out, 8-0, for the big win.
Collier won five matchups to earn the 200K, defeating Katie Lou Samuelson, Rickea Jackson and Courtney Williams over the first three rounds.
The semifinals and finals both took place Friday. Collier defeated Azurá Stevens 11-2 in the semis before facing Edwards, a No. 8 seed who engineered an amazing run to the finals capped by a 11-2 win over Arike Ogunbowale in the semis.
In Game 1, Collier took a 6-4 lead after back-to-back two-pointers. She had two more possessions to get the winning bucket, but neither shot went down.
Edwards took advantage after the second basket, charging into the lane for a three-point play that put her up 7-6. She then immediately scurried to her left and hit another layup while being fouled to take the 9-6 victory.
Edwards jumped out to a 4-2 lead after back-to-back buckets and appeared in control here. However, Collier bore down on defense, getting a key block and gaining possession down two. She never gave the ball back and engineered a 7-0 run to close the contest, including a clutch three to take a 7-4 edge.
Despite the finals loss, Edwards authored a phenomenal run and receives $50,000 for her efforts. Stevens and Ogunbowale each got $25,000 for making the semifinals. Collier’s Lunar Owls teammates also get $10,000 apiece.
Unrivaled now returns to regular-season play on Tuesday. Collier’s Lunar Owls have dominated the league, starting out 8-0.
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