The 2022 University Basketball League Australia (UBL) finally commenced their inaugural Grand Final contest this week.
As ladder leaders La Trobe University (LTU) women welcomed The University of Sydney (USYD) back to La Trobe Sports Park Stadium for the Women’s Grand Final on Tuesday 24 May. LTU entered the game as favourites with their 11-0 undefeated streak. It was clear however that USYD were aiming to reverse the result of their loss in Pride Round to LTU and started the game with steely determination.
LTU sought to control the tempo of the game from the outset. With both teams displaying similar offensive tactics, both attacking the basket, going to the rim and looking to find points in the paint, at the half time break LTU had the smallest of margins leading by 1 point.
Defence was a key element of both teams’ strategies across the next two quarters which remained a close and intense battle. Lauren Walker #23 (Bachelor of Arts) had the USYD team playing with speed showing how dynamic she can be throughout the game, but the experience of Kiera Mountford #5 (Bachelor of Criminology) kept the momentum of the game in LTU’s favour with a clutch three-point bucket to break the deadlock at the end of the 3rd quarter.
USYD kept the pressure on at every stage thanks to the likes of Georgia Genner #7 (Bachelor of Medical Science) scoring 12 points. LTU’s Eilish Feehan #15 (Bachelor of Occupational Therapy) also a standout scoring 16 points, 10 total rebounds and 2 assists. With only a 4-point lead as the game entered the last minute LTU showed composure holding off USYD to take the grand final win 61-54 (LTU) and an unblemished season record.
2022 University Basketball League Women's Grand Finalists:
La Trobe University
The University of Sydney
Image© Grant Treeby Photography: Women's 2022 UBL Winners
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