There was no feeling-out process. No gradual buildup. Alissa Pili stepped onto the floor and immediately took control.
In her first real game of the season, Pili delivered a performance that turned heads across the basketball world, pouring in 28 points in just 24 minutes of action. Every touch felt purposeful. Every possession carried pressure. What could have been a limited-minute appearance instead became a full-volume statement.
And the scoring was only part of the story.
Pili complemented her offensive eruption with 7 assists and 4 rebounds, showing a level of poise and command that went far beyond shot-making. She read defenses effortlessly, punished mismatches, and elevated teammates with timely passes. The ball moved differently when she was involved — faster, sharper, more decisive.
What stood out most was the efficiency. With no extended runway to settle in, Pili maximized every second on the floor. She didn’t chase numbers; the numbers came to her. Power on drives. Confidence in space. Control in traffic. It was the kind of performance that forces coaches, opponents, and fans alike to recalibrate expectations in real time.
For anyone wondering what kind of season might be ahead, this opener offered a clear answer: Pili is not easing into anything. She’s arriving fully formed, fully confident, and fully prepared to lead.
If 28 points in 24 minutes is the opening chapter, the rest of the season promises to be must-watch.
