UBL 2026: Results from every round!
Published Thu 20 Aug 2026
The New Balance University Basketball League (UBL) is a fully funded, gender equal, student-only national basketball league, and Australia's premier university basketball competition. The league provides student-athletes with a national platform to showcase their talent while balancing academic pursuits. Sanctioned by UniSport Australia in partnership with Basketball Australia, the league plays a pivotal role in developing the next generation of basketball stars.
In 2026, the Adelaide University Waatu have moved into an on-campus home court at Pridham Hall, on the City West Campus - playing true home games for the first time since entering the league in 2022. Entry to home games is free for everyone, and staff and students at Adelaide University in particular are encouraged to come down and cheer on the AU Waatu - South Australia's only representative!
The AU Waatu returned to Pridham Hall for the second round of the 2026 New Balance University Basketball League, playing host to defending men's and women's champions the University of Tasmania. Long-time fans will be aware of the brewing rivalry between AU and UTAS, with the Waatu men narrowly defeating UTAS in Round 8 2025 by a score of 90-88 after defending a last-second in-bound pass to the hoop - before being knocked out by them in the Quarter Finals two weeks later.
WOMEN: AU WAATU 99 - UTAS 41
The Waatu women came out with intent for Round 2, playing a physical game against their much taller opponents and capitalising on a fast start to lead 49-20 at the main break. The girls kept their foot on the pedal throughout the second half to run out winners against the reigning champions by a massive 58 points, on the back of a stellar effort which included 51 total rebounds (27 of them offensive rebounds) and an unbelievable 37 steals. Game MVP Sasha Hardin scored 17 points to go along with five assists and four steals, and Caitlin Shillabeer and Zahlia Niemann led the team with 19 points each.
Photo Album - Full Game Replay - Game Highlights COMING SOON
MEN: AU WAATU 71 - UTAS 72
It was a tight contest from start to finish as UTAS and the AU Waatu traded the lead 16 times in a contest that provided everything a basketball fan could wish for - except a win for Adelaide University. It was the University of Tasmania who came out on top, a last-second tip-in for the AU Waatu denied by the referees as the final whistle blew. MVP Ayual Garang continued his strong start to the season, scoring 29 points for the second game in a row to go along with five rebounds and three steals. Matthew Thomson was a force below the rim, bringing down a game-high 17 boards on the way to a double-double which also saw him score 16 points.
Photo Album - Full Game Replay - Game Highlights COMING SOON
🏀 300 people packed out Pridham Hall to bang bang the AU Waatu to victory in Round 1 of the New Balance University Basketball League against the University of Western Australia. It was a celebration as fans were treated to a free barbecue, free AU Waatu merchandise including shirts and bang bang sticks, a questionable rendition of Advance Australia Fair, and two hard-fought, physical games in the first on-campus home game in our team’s history.
WOMEN: AU WAATU 83 - UWA MAALI 61
The women got out to an early 38-22 lead after the first quarter and never gave it up, maintaining at least a 15 point buffer at every change and running out victorious 83-61. MVP Caitlin Shillabeer starred with 23 points, shooting 67% from the field. She was supported well by Waatu veteran Jem Whitton (14 points, three steals), and newcomers Terran Wright (13 points, six rebounds) and Janna Mojares (12 points, four steals) - but it was the cohesive team effort that secured the W.
Photo Album - Full Game Replay - Game Highlights
MEN: AU WAATU 98 - UWA MAALI 83
In the second game of the double-header, it was Ayual Garang (29 points, 6 rebounds) and MVP Isaac Hampel (30 points, 5 assists, 4 steals) who starred for the men, with Malang Deng (16 points) and Angus Crosby (13 points) also scoring in the double digits and Matthew Thomson pulling down 10 rebounds. They overcame a hot start from the UWA Maali with a superb second quarter on their way to a 98-83 victory.
Photo Album - Full Game Replay - Game Highlights
