Melbourne crowned UBL Women's Champions

Melbourne crowned UBL Women’s champions with commanding Grand Final win over Adelaide

The University of Melbourne Women's team have claimed the 2026 New Balance University Basketball League title, defeating Adelaide University Waatu 76-55 in the Grand Final to win their first-ever UBL championship.

Adelaide had beaten Melbourne 86-67 in earlier in the season, but Melbourne made sure there was no repeat. They sprinted out to a 20-9 first-quarter lead, held a ten-point buffer at half-time, and still led by nine heading into the last. Then they shut the door, outscoring the Waatu 22-10 in the final quarter to clinch the championship with a 21-point win.

Melbourne’s defence and work on the glass made the difference. Adelaide shot just 3 from 27 from three-point range and turned the ball over 23 times, with Melbourne collecting 17 steals. Melbourne also won the rebounding battle 54-45 and made 22 of 36 free throws to Adelaide’s 4 of 7.

Captain Leila Davis was dominant, finishing with 25 points, 18 rebounds and four steals. Victoria Poulos contributed 13 points, eight rebounds and four steals, finishing with a game-leading +31 differential. Eliza Bannan ran the offence with 12 points and eight assists, Elle Price added 10 off the bench, and Madeline Phillips chipped in eight points, six rebounds, two steals and two blocks.

The win capped a memorable finals campaign for Melbourne, who also defeated defending champions UTAS 80-53 in the semi-final to reach their first Grand Final. Adelaide, also a first-time finalist, had advanced with a 73-67 win over La Trobe.

Following the win in a post-match interview, Victoria Poulos said the team’s connection and shared purpose helped make the result possible.

“We are all so excited, we love each other so much and I feel like we came into the game with such good vibes and we played for each other today,” she said.

Victoria also highlighted the team-first mentality that had carried Melbourne through the season.

“We all show up to training, we play for each other, no one plays for themselves, and everyone is trying to get each other a score,” she said.

Not only was it a historic win for the Women’s program, but it was made extra special that it was two female coaches at the helm, a program first, and Head Coach Ai Yamada’s first-time coaching.

“I feel honoured to have had this privilege and to be a part of the program's history, as a Japanese basketball player, coaching in a different country where English is my second language, this experience means so much to me.”

“To coach this team in my first season was so special. The girls worked hard and grew together throughout the season. I’ve learned so much from them too, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we have achieved.”