Maali men qualify for UBL finals despite home loss

La Trobe University visited UWA earlier this week to compete in the rescheduled Round 3 fixtures of the University Basketball League (UBL). Both the mens' and womens' matches were hotly contested, with teams fighting for their chance to make it to the finals.

In the women's game, UWA Maali started strong, finishing the quarter 23 all. Scores remained close throughout the second quarter, however La Trobe started to break away and finished the quarter with a 13-point lead. Throughout the final quarter, UWA Maali fought to close the margin, however were unable to regain the lead and finished the game 63-66 to La Trobe. 

In the men's game, La Trobe University quickly gained the lead, with UWA Maali finishing the first quarter trailing by 6 points. UWA Maali gained the lead in the second quarter, keeping the scores close until the end of the third quarter, when La Trobe took another 6-point lead. UWA Maali were unable to catch up to La Trobe, finishing the match with a 68-81 loss.

Unfortunately due to the COVID-19 restrictions imposed by the WA Government on Victorian arrivals, UWA Maali's final game of the season against The University of Melbourne scheduled for Tuesday was unable to go ahead.

This leaves UWA Maali men at 4th place on the ladder, qualifying them for the finals in Sydney next week, while the women narrowly missed out in 6th place. 

Following the Victorian lockdown, the finals series due to be held in Sydney next week has been postponed. More details regarding the rescheduled finals will be available via UniSport Australia.