The UWA Maali faced the reigning 2025 New Balance University Basketball League (UBL) champions in Round 4, hosting the University of Tasmania at the UWA Fitness and Recreation Centre on Wednesday 2 September. 

The home game featured Women in Sport Round, celebrating the contribution of women and gender-diverse people across sport as athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers and leaders. 

UWA student athletes Iona Anderson, Rowan Dennis and Anna Sadlier joined the women’s game for a special on-court interview, sharing their experiences in sport, achievements, challenges and the people who have influenced their sporting journeys. 

The women’s team made a strong start against Tasmania, with Katie Biddulph opening the scoring with a three-point jump shot as the Maali raced to an 8-0 lead. 

Tasmania responded to reduce the margin to one point by quarter time before taking control in the second quarter. The 2025 UBL women’s MVP Sharna Thompson led the visitors’ scoring, contributing 30 of Tasmania’s 37 points by half-time. 

The Maali entered the final quarter 19 points behind and mounted a late comeback, but Tasmania held on for a 74-63 victory. 

Lena Anwari led the scoring for UWA with 13 points, six rebounds, five steals and three assists. Biddulph also finished with 13 points, while Abbey Hall contributed 12 points. 

The men’s game provided a close contest, with the Maali going toe-to-toe with the reigning champions throughout the game. 

Tasmania produced a 9-0 run late in the fourth quarter to establish a 15-point lead with five minutes remaining, but the Maali responded with a strong finish to close the margin and claim their first win of the season, 69-67. 

Keegan Schrick led the way for UWA with 19 points and 15 rebounds, while Damien Zhang and Jordan West both contributed 12 points. 

The Women in Sport Round provided an opportunity for the UWA community to celebrate the achievements of women and gender-diverse people in sport and hear directly from student athletes about their experiences. 

The Maali will now travel to Melbourne to compete against Monash University and the University of Sunshine Coast on Wednesday 9 and Thursday 10 September. 

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.