New Balance University Basketball League: Women’s Semi Final Wrap-Up – Adelaide and Melbourne Set for Grand Final Showdown 

The 2026 New Balance University Basketball League (UBL) Women’s Grand Final match-up is confirmed following two high-stakes semi-finals at Pridham Hall, as the four remaining teams, The University of Melbourne, University of Tasmania (UTAS), AU Waatu (Adelaide University) and La Trobe University, battled for a place in the decider. 

The University of Melbourne vs University of Tasmania 

The University of Melbourne faced defending champions UTAS in the opening semi-final at Pridham Hall, with Melbourne chasing its first-ever UBL Grand Final appearance and UTAS looking to keep their title defence alive. 

The contest was closely fought early, with UTAS holding a narrow 21-24 lead at half-time. Melbourne responded after the break, taking control to move ahead 49-42 by the end of the third quarter. 

Melbourne then carried that momentum into the final period, pulling away to secure an 80-53 victory and book their place in the Gold Medal Grand Final for the first time in the university’s UBL history. 

Adelaide University vs La Trobe University 

The second semi-final saw the AU Waatu take on La Trobe University, to determine who would take on Melbourne.  

La Trobe started strongly and held a 39-46 lead at half-time. Adelaide lifted their intensity after the break, gaining momentum to turn the contest around and take a 62-56 advantage into the final quarter. 

The AU Waatu maintained their lead under pressure in the closing stages, securing a 73-67 win to advance to the Grand Final, also for the first time in their UBL history. 

The victory sets up a meeting with Melbourne, with both teams now one win away from claiming their maiden UBL Women’s title.

Bronze Medal Match: University of Tasmania vs La Trobe 

La Trobe University and UTAS will meet in the 2026 UBL Women’s Bronze Medal Match, with both teams looking to finish their campaigns on the podium. 

The match will take place at Pridham Hall on Thursday, 15 October, at 4pm AEDT. 

Watch the game live and free on UniSportTV. 

A Historic Grand Final Awaits: Adelaide University vs The University of Melbourne 

The AU Waatu and The University of Melbourne will face off in the 2026 New Balance UBL Women’s Grand Final, with both teams chasing their first UBL title. 

The Gold Medal Match will be held at Pridham Hall on Thursday, 15 October, at 6pm AEDT. 

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