Highlights and Insights from the 2026 Lilly Women’s College All-Star Game
In a thrilling display of talent and grit, the 2026 Lilly Women’s College All-Star Game brought 20 of the best women’s college seniors together for a memorable exhibition in Phoenix.
No records or trophies were at stake here—just pure celebration of skill, teamwork, and the bright future ahead for these athletes.
Hall of Famers Cheryl Miller and Nancy Lieberman led the two squads.
Team Lieberman pulled off a tight 72-69 win, sealing the deal in the final seconds.
Let’s dig into the standout moments and performances that gave the game its spark.
A Rollercoaster of a Game
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This year’s All-Star Game really was a rollercoaster.
Both teams went all out, showing off their skills and refusing to treat it like just another exhibition.
You could feel their determination—they wanted to impress scouts and coaches, and maybe themselves, too, before taking that next big step to the pros.
Slow Start, Explosive Middle
The first quarter? Pretty sluggish.
Both teams looked a bit off at first, struggling to get into a groove.
But then, in the second and third quarters, the energy shifted.
Players found their rhythm, and the scoring picked up fast.
It was way more intense than the usual laid-back all-star vibe.
Defensive Showdown in the Fourth Quarter
As the fourth quarter rolled in, both sides locked in defensively.
The pace slowed, and every possession seemed to matter more.
The Elam Ending—a rule meant to keep things exciting and avoid the usual parade of fouls—cranked up the drama.
Christeen Iwuala clinched the win for Team Lieberman with a pressure-packed free throw.
Standout Performances
A handful of players really stood out and showed why they’re ready for the next level.
Here are some of the main contributors who made the night unforgettable:
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- Christeen Iwuala: The Mississippi star dropped a game-high 15 points and hit the clutch free throw for the win, snagging MVP honors.
- Ny’Ceara Pryor: Just 5’3″, but the Texas A&M guard played with zero fear, racking up 13 points and logging a game-high 34 minutes.
- Darianna Littlepage-Buggs: Baylor’s own started the scoring for Team Miller and finished with 14 points, showing off her offensive range.
- Gabby Elliott: The Arizona State guard, who’s battled through injuries, played a big part in Team Lieberman’s win.
Coaching and Mentorship
Having legends like Cheryl Miller, Nancy Lieberman, Ann Meyers Drysdale, and current WNBA stars Kahleah Copper and Marina Mabrey on the sidelines brought something special.
Their advice and encouragement gave the players a rare chance to learn from the best.
Lessons from Legends
Players like Christeen Iwuala didn’t hide their gratitude for soaking up wisdom from these icons.
Honestly, those lessons might stick with them long after the final buzzer—maybe even shape their pro careers.
Building Connections
Off the court, the game gave players a chance to actually connect—beyond just competing.
Washington’s Elle Ladine mentioned how much she enjoyed meeting other athletes, some of whom she’d only ever played against before.
The Future of Women’s Basketball
The 2026 Lilly Women’s College All-Star Game wasn’t just another exhibition.
It was a real celebration of where women’s basketball is heading.
The talent on display showed just how bright the sport’s future could be.
Professional Aspirations
For a lot of these players, this game was their college swan song and the start of their pro journey.
The stakes felt high, and the atmosphere pushed them to prove they’re ready for what comes next.
Impact on the Sport
The event’s success and the players’ performances made a statement.
There’s a growing pool of talent in women’s basketball, and it’s clear these kinds of platforms matter for letting it shine.
Conclusion
The 2026 Lilly Women’s College All-Star Game brought a rush of excitement and plenty of unforgettable moments. Some of the best women’s college basketball players showed off their skills and left fans buzzing.
We saw impressive performances and real mentorship happening right on the court. The game felt like a fitting send-off for these players as they wrapped up their college journeys and started thinking about what comes next.
If you’re curious about the game’s key moments or want to hear what the players had to say, check out the full article here.