As the academic year began across most university campuses in Oceania, so to did university sport competitions. Australia and Guam are two countries that have been active throughout March, specifically in the sport of Basketball.
UniSport Australia launched season two of its competitive University Basketball League (UBL) in early March. The UBL runs for 12 weeks and in 2023 has expanded to 13 teams in both the mens and womens competition.
“This year a total of 132 matches will be livestreamed on UniSportTV showcasing the incredible passion students have for representing their universities on the national stage. We are looking forward to seeing the best of Australia’s university basketballers contesting the title of 2023 UBL Champions” said UniSport Australia CEO Mr Mark Sinderberry.
The UBL runs until the end of May. For event details visit the UBL website and to catch the lives streaming visit UniSportTV.
At the University of Guam, Basketball is a way of life with the university Tritons fielding mens and womens teams in the local competition.
“Our teams are highly competitive in the local competitions”, says University of Guam Athletic Director Mr Doug Palmer. “Our Basketball program is going from strength to strength each year and the ability to play against local Guam teams helps to not only improve skills but creates connection to the university for players and spectators.”
A small island in the north Pacific Ocean, the University of Guam has limited opportunities to play intervarsity sport. The Friendship Games against their neighbours, the Northern Mariana Islands provides an intervarsity sport opportunity with the event recently held in early April. “The Friendship Games are a great opportunity for students to experience international competitions”, says Mr Palmer. “The Tritons mens and womens team enjoy the competition and friendships formed”.
Triton Athletics also recently awarded two $1000 USD scholarships to a female and male basketball player. University of Guam Hall of Famer Gage Johnson III donated the funds to assist young students to continue their studies whilst maintaining their involvement in high performance sport.
Lovely Nilooban and Amam Yobei were awarded the scholarships. Both students were humbled by the recognition of their student-athlete status and both outlined that the funds will be very welcomed to support the continuation of their studies and playing careers.
For more information about Triton Athletics, visit their website and Facebook page.
