University Basketball League 2025: Round Two Wrap-Up 

Round Two of the 2025 New Balance University Basketball League (UBL) set the court alight with thrilling moments and electrifying action, delivering some UBL classics. With 14 games played across four states, the week was packed with highlight-reel plays and unforgettable performances. 

Round Two began with UNSW Sydney playing their first match of the season against UTAS (University of Tasmania) at the City of Sydney Basketball Association. Up first were the men, where the first half was tightly contested with the away side holding a narrow 37-36 lead at the break. The momentum then shifted in the third, as UNSW Sydney marginally moved ahead heading into the final quarter. In the end, the visiting team’s strong shooting and composure down the stretch proved too much for the home side, as UTAS won 87-79. The women’s clash saw UTAS take control early, heading into half time with a 38-20 advantage. Relentless defence and a fast-paced attack kept the scoreboard ticking and the home side chasing, as UTAS secured a double win in Sydney as the women won 77-52.  

The following match saw the UniSC Mari (University of the Sunshine Coast) host Victoria University at the UniSC Arena in Queensland. First up were the women, where backed by a strong home crowd, the UniSC Mari combined disciplined defence with accurate shooting to secure an important victory at home, defeating Victoria University 85-77. The men’s match-up turned out to be a UBL classic, in a nail-biting showdown that at the last minute was anybody’s game. Heading into half time, the home team held a solid lead and maintained control through the third quarter, before Victoria University started to close the gap in the fourth, evening out the score at one point 83-all. The UniSC Mari held their nerve in the dying moments, with the crowd on the Sunshine Coast roaring the men also to a home victory 93-91 in this intense clash.

Day two kicked off with La Trobe University taking on the AU Waatu (The University of Adelaide) at La Trobe University Stadium in Victoria. The home side capped off a dominant day, claiming victories in both the men’s and women’s matchups. The high-scoring men’s game saw La Trobe University secure a 92-73 victory. The women’s team claimed a convincing 89-72 win, as well.  

The following game saw the UWA Maali (The University of Western Australia) play The University of Newcastle at the UWA Sport and Recreation Centre. The home side completed a successful double-header with wins in both the men’s and women’s games. In the men’s clash, the hosts built a steady lead across the opening three quarters before holding off a late push from the visitors to claim a 77-72 victory. In the women’s match-up, the UWA Maali took control early and dominated throughout, powering to a commanding 68-32 win. 

The next game saw USYD (University of Sydney) play their first game of the season and host The University of Melbourne at the Sydney Uni Sports and Aquatic Centre. The women’s game saw USYD have a commanding lead heading into half time at 51-32, and they maintained this momentum until the end to win 76-58. The men’s clash was a hard-fought battle, with the home side narrowly falling 83-80 as The University of Melbourne took the win.  

The final game for day two was between the UniSC Mari and the Fed Falcons (Federation University Australia) back at UniSC Arena. The men’s game opened with the visitors on top in the first quarter, before the home side shifted the tempo at half time to get ahead 37-33. From there they took complete control, dominating the third quarter before sealing an 87-66 victory. The women’s game was a thriller from start to finish, as the home side held a narrow lead after the first quarter, before the scores were locked at 35-all at half time. The Fed Falcons edged ahead by the end of the third, setting up a tense fourth quarter. In the dying moments, the away side held a 72-71 advantage, but the hosts found the basket when it mattered most to snatch a dramatic 73-72 win. Combined with the men’s win, and their earlier successes in the week, the results secured a double-header sweep for the UniSC Mari at home.  

The final games for UBL week two saw the Curtin Carnabys (Curtin University) take on The University of Newcastle at Curtin Stadium in Western Australia. The men’s clash had no shortage of drama, as the home side started strong leading in the opening quarter, but the visitors rallied to take a 41-37 lead into half time. Momentum swung again in the third, with the Curtin Carnabys in front heading into the final quarter. The closing stages of this game were nothing short of remarkable, as with just one second on the clock, The University of Newcastle nailed a three-pointer to level the scores at 79-all. The Curtin Carnabys had final possession, and the 2024 UBL men’s MVP, Lachlan Bertram (Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science, Curtin University) delivered for the home side, sinking the game-winner to seal an 81-79 victory. In the women’s match-up, the home team established dominance from the outset, surging to an 86-44 victory.    

At the end of UBL Round Two, in the men’s division, the UWA Maali remain on top of the leaderboard, followed by La Trobe University. In the women’s division, the UniSC Mari have claimed the top spot, with La Trobe University again in the second spot.   

Round Three is set to be another action-packed week of basketball, with plenty of excitement expected across both the men’s and women’s matchups. 

Catch all the action live and free on  UniSportTV. 

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