New Balance University Basketball League 2025: Round Five Wrap-Up

The second half of the 2025 New Balance University Basketball League (UBL) regular season saw Round Five deliver shock losses, high-scoring clashes, and thrilling finishes once again with sixteen games played across three states.

Round Five started in Queensland, as the UniSC Mari (University of the Sunshine Coast) hosted USYD (The University of Sydney) at the UniSC Arena. Up first were the women, and in their first interstate game of the season, the reigning champions USYD showcased their depth and composure, controlling the match to extend their perfect start to the season and remain undefeated, as they won 71-45 defeating the home team. Next were the men, in a game that saw the away side light up the scoreboard, with USYD racking up a score of 131 points to claim the biggest win of the season so far, defeating the UniSC Mari 131-76 and dominating from the outset.

Day Two was action-packed, kicking off at the Victoria University Community Sports Stadium as Victoria University hosted UNSW Sydney (University of New South Wales). In the men’s matchup, UNSW Sydney’s first interstate game of the season saw them show poise under pressure and find key baskets down the stretch to overcome the home team, securing their second win of the season 101-92. For the women, UNSW Sydney made it a double away victory as they claimed a hard-fought win 55-51 in a tightly contested battle that saw them show composure in key moments to overcome Victoria University.     

Next up saw the UniSC Mari play their second match of the week at their home stadium, this time against The University of Newcastle. The men were up first, where the visitors showed their growing confidence, controlling key stretches of the game to secure their second straight win and continue building momentum in their debut New Balance UBL season, defeating the UniSC Mari 89-76. In the women’s matchup, the home team secured their fifth win of the season with a 75-68 victory over Newcastle, holding firm throughout the competitive game.

Over in Ballarat at the Fed Sport and Recreation Centre, the Fed Falcons (Federation University Australia) took on the University of Tasmania. First up were the women, where the Tasmanian side showcased their offensive strength and defensive pressure to secure their fourth consecutive victory 74-53, keeping their momentum rolling. The away side continued their strong form in the men’s game as well, defeating the Fed Falcons 84-68 as they controlled the match with their balanced scoring and defensive intensity.

The last game for day two was over at the Nona Lee Sports Centre in Melbourne, as The University of Melbourne hosted La Trobe University. La Trobe’s women’s team continued their dominance, remaining undefeated this season as they secured a 75-57 victory over Melbourne and further underlining their status as one of the league’s top contenders. For the men, The University of Melbourne delivered a statement as they defeated the reigning champions 86-48. The home side produced a dominant performance on the court, overwhelming La Trobe to secure one of the most convincing victories of the season, highlighting their credentials as serious competitors.

Day Three began in Victoria at LaTrobe Sports Stadium, with La Trobe University playing their second match of the week to take on Victoria University. Up first were the women, who picked up right where they left off to secure an 84-62 win at home and maintain their strong form with a dominant display. The La Trobe men’s team regrouped after their shock loss and delivered a more polished, confident performance, defeating Victoria University 98-84.

Next up, the Fed Falcons played UNSW Sydney at their home stadium. In the men’s game, UNSW Sydney achieved their third win of the season, claiming an 83-71 victory over the home team in a hard-fought clash that kept the home side chasing. The women’s UNSW Sydney side once again made it a double win on the road, defeating the Fed Falcons 80-74 by producing another statement performance.

Day Four saw the University of Tasmania host The University of Melbourne at the Hobart Netball & Sports Centre. The women’s game was a hard-fought battle that saw the Tasmanian team gain momentum in the first quarter and keep Melbourne chasing, securing an 88-61 victory at home. The tables were turned in the men’s game, as the away side kept the home team on their toes and under pressure, defeating them 88-72.

The end of Round Five of the 2025 New Balance UBL saw The University of Melbourne knock USYD off the top of the ladder in the men’s division, with USYD moving into second place. For the women, the undefeated USYD and La Trobe continue to dominate and remain in first and second place respectively, on the ladder.

With Round Five wrapped up, all eyes now turn to Round Six, where the intensity is set to rise as teams push toward the business end of the season.

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(C) All photographs courtesy of Victoria University and Federation University Australia and may not be used without the express permission of either university or UniSport Australia.