New Balance University Basketball League: Semi Finals Wrap Up – A Historic Grand Final Awaits

The 2025 New Balance University Basketball League (UBL) Semi Finals had it all, from shock upsets, thrilling contests and history made, as the final four teams went head-to-head to secure their place in the grand final.

Women’s New Balance UBL Semi Final Results

The women’s New Balance UBL Semi Finals kicked off at the Warrane Sports Centre in Tasmania, as the University of Tasmania hosted 2024 champions USYD (The University of Sydney). It was a statement performance from the home side, who controlled the game from start to finish and kept Sydney chasing, commanding a 94-72 victory. The historic win secures Tasmania a maiden grand final appearance while ending Sydney’s hopes of defending their title.

Over at UniSC Arena, the UniSC Mari took on The University of Melbourne. Showing strength and consistency throughout game, the home side left Melbourne playing catch-up, claiming a 91-76 triumph to also advance to their first New Balance UBL Grand Final.

The women’s 2025 New Balance UBL Grand Final marks the first grand final that will not feature La Trobe University and USYD in four years. In a historic run, both making their grand final debut, the University of Tasmania will play the UniSC Mari, and a new champion will be crowned.

Men’s New Balance UBL Semi Finals Results

The men’s New Balance UBL Semi Finals tipped off at the Nona Lee Sports Centre, with the University of Melbourne taking on the University of Tasmania. Melbourne was chasing a return to the grand final, while Tasmania was fighting for a maiden appearance. It was a nail-biting showdown that left spectators on the edge of their seats, as Tasmania held the advantage for most of the game, but Melbourne refused to back down, coming back in the fourth quarter to narrowly lead before the score was locked at 82-all at full time. Extra time brought even more intensity, but it was the University of Tasmania who held their composure when it mattered most, sealing a hard-fought 96-91 victory to advance to the grand final.

Up next, at the USYD Sports and Aquatic Centre, USYD played debutants The University of Newcastle. In a thrilling matchup, Sydney held on for an 82-79 win, as they continue their hunt for redemption after losing the 2024 grand final.

The men’s 2025 New Balance UBL Grand Final will see the University of Tasmania take on USYD in a game that is bound to be action-packed.

2025 New Balance UBL Grand Finals

The 2025 Men’s New Balance UBL Grand Final will take place at the USYD Sports and Aquatic Centre on Wednesday, 22 October as USYD will have another shot at UBL victory against grand final debutants the University of Tasmania. 

The Women’s UBL Grand Final will see the University of Tasmania take on the UniSC Mari at the Warrane Sports Centre in Tasmania on Thursday 23 October, where the league will crown a first-time champion.

Catch all the action live and free on  UniSportTV. 

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(C) All photographs courtesy of The University of Tasmania, The University of Sydney and the University of the Sunshine Coast and may not be used without the express permission of either university or UniSport Australia.