The University of Tasmania took out both the men’s and women’s titles in this year’s New Balance University Basketball League.
It’s the first time one university has taken out double victory in the men’s and women’s grand finals. The UBL is played across five states, with 140 games this year showcasing exceptional skill and fierce competitiveness.
Swisherr Hoops Academy supports basketball at the University of Tasmania with recruitment, coaching and training, a partnership that has been a major factor in taking the teams to national success.
The University of Sydney hosted the men’s final at the USYD Sports and Aquatic Centre. After trailing for three quarters and facing a 14-point deficit, Tasmania launched a remarkable fourth-quarter comeback, lifting their intensity on both ends of the court to level the score, before pushing ahead to secure a 79-70 victory and claiming their first New Balance UBL Championship.
“It’s an amazing feeling, we came in knowing this was going to be a tough game."
The women then took to the court at Warrane Sports Centre in Hobart, as the University of Tasmania took on the UniSC Mari (University of the Sunshine Coast), with both teams making their New Balance UBL grand final debut.
The opening quarter was tightly contested but the University of Tasmania seized control and dominated the second and third quarters, at one point creating a 30-point deficit. Despite a late resurgence from the UniSC Mari, who found their spark again and controlled the fourth term, it wasn’t enough to come back, with Tasmania claiming a convincing 96-75 win to secure their first New Balance UBL Championship, completing the men’s and women’s sweep for 2025.
Women’s player of the match Sharna Thompson (University of Tasmania), who scored 37 points during the grand final showdown, said: “It’s an amazing feeling, we came in knowing this was going to be a tough game. I’m really proud of the girls, and it’s time to celebrate with the boys.”
Photos by Peter W. Allen and Matthew Bissett
Rewatch both Grand Finals on UniSportTV
