The UWA Maali started their 2023 University Basketball League (UBL) campaign with a double header against the top two teams in the league with fiercely contested games against the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and reigning champions the University of Sydney (USYD).

The first fixture of Round 1 involved Maali going head-to-head against UTS. The women’s game was separated by two halves with the first stanza being highly contested before UTS opened the lead and closed the game convincingly 90-35. A similar pattern continued in the men’s game, the UWA Maali displayed moments of brilliance but were unable to string these patches of momentum for the full game. However, the men’s side produced a high calibre game in their first game of the season but were defeated 81 – 71.

The following day, in a quick turnaround, UWA Maali were able shift focus and challenged a competitive USYD team. The women’s side went back to the drawing board and focused on the fundamentals. A strong start with flashes of momentum, the women’s team held their ground against the Sydney side in the first quarter. However, the remaining three quarters belonged to the Lions as they closed the game 73 – 49. Maali men completed changed gears and transformed their game plan to produce a clinical and consistent performance against the reigning champions. Intensity and grit were on full display with UWA leading majority of the game. In critical moments, USYD were able to prevail and took the lead in the last quarter and ran away with the lead to close the game 95-77. After a valiant effort with classy basketball on show, UWA Maali were able to debut nine players throughout the first round of the new season.

Congratulations to all the debutants, travelling players and coaching staff on kick starting the season campaign. UWA Maali will return home and welcome the bye in Round 2. The next challenge will be a double header fixture at home in front of a local crowd.

Support UWA Maali and cheer the team on at home on Tuesday 28 March 2023 and Wednesday 29 March 2023. See the full fixture including details on the upcoming home game.

For more information on the UBL competition, visit UniSport and watch replays at UniSport TV.