The UWA Maali team have started the 2026 New Balance University Basketball League (UBL) season with a tough battle against a skilled Adelaide University (AU) team at Pridham Hall on Thursday 13 August.
Five students made their UBL debut for the UWA Maali women’s team, with the young squad showing promising signs in its first outing under new Head Coach Charles Nix.
AU Waatu made a strong start to the contest, using impressive three-point shooting to establish an early lead. The UWA Maali continued to compete throughout the game, with Abbey Hall making an immediate impact on her return to UBL basketball after missing the 2025 season.
Hall led the scoring for UWA Maali with 16 points, while first-year player Nicola Moore impressed on debut with 10 points. Captain Imogen Eames also contributed nine points in her first game leading the team.
An early injury to Keisha Chng limited the Maali backcourt, with Adelaide University applying sustained pressure to disrupt UWA's ball movement. AU Waatu continued to build its advantage across the game before securing the win, 83-61.
The men's team also faced a strong challenge from Adelaide University, with a closely contested opening quarter setting the tone for an entertaining battle.
A 26-13 second quarter gave AU Waatu the advantage heading into half-time. The UWA Maali responded strongly after the break and continued to compete through the final two quarters, but were unable to close the gap, going down 98-83.
Keegan Schrick was a standout performer for UWA Maali, finishing with 27 points and 10 rebounds despite spending periods of the game in foul trouble.
Lachlan Oakley and captain Damien Zhang also provided valuable contributions, scoring 15 and 13 points respectively, while Freddie Maddison added 10 points from the bench.
The opening round provided valuable experience for both UWA Maali squads, with a number of emerging players taking the opportunity to compete at the UBL level for the first time.
UWA Maali will return to Perth this week for a double-header at home, taking on Federation University on Wednesday 19 August before facing the University of Melbourne on Thursday 20 August at the UWA Fitness and Recreation Centre.
The home games will provide an opportunity for students and supporters to get behind the Maali as the teams continue their 2026 UBL campaign.
For the full UWA Maali fixture, visit the UWA Sport website. For more information about the UBL competition, visit UniSport Australia and watch game replays on UniSportTV.
Five students made their UBL debut for the UWA Maali women’s team, with the young squad showing promising signs in its first outing under new Head Coach Charles Nix.
AU Waatu made a strong start to the contest, using impressive three-point shooting to establish an early lead. The UWA Maali continued to compete throughout the game, with Abbey Hall making an immediate impact on her return to UBL basketball after missing the 2025 season.
Hall led the scoring for UWA Maali with 16 points, while first-year player Nicola Moore impressed on debut with 10 points. Captain Imogen Eames also contributed nine points in her first game leading the team.
An early injury to Keisha Chng limited the Maali backcourt, with Adelaide University applying sustained pressure to disrupt UWA's ball movement. AU Waatu continued to build its advantage across the game before securing the win, 83-61.
The men's team also faced a strong challenge from Adelaide University, with a closely contested opening quarter setting the tone for an entertaining battle.
A 26-13 second quarter gave AU Waatu the advantage heading into half-time. The UWA Maali responded strongly after the break and continued to compete through the final two quarters, but were unable to close the gap, going down 98-83.
Keegan Schrick was a standout performer for UWA Maali, finishing with 27 points and 10 rebounds despite spending periods of the game in foul trouble.
Lachlan Oakley and captain Damien Zhang also provided valuable contributions, scoring 15 and 13 points respectively, while Freddie Maddison added 10 points from the bench.
The opening round provided valuable experience for both UWA Maali squads, with a number of emerging players taking the opportunity to compete at the UBL level for the first time.
UWA Maali will return to Perth this week for a double-header at home, taking on Federation University on Wednesday 19 August before facing the University of Melbourne on Thursday 20 August at the UWA Fitness and Recreation Centre.
The home games will provide an opportunity for students and supporters to get behind the Maali as the teams continue their 2026 UBL campaign.
For the full UWA Maali fixture, visit the UWA Sport website. For more information about the UBL competition, visit UniSport Australia and watch game replays on UniSportTV.