Men’s basketball team secures Gatorade UBL 2026 Runner-Up finish
From an unblemished group stage run to a high-octane battle in the grand finale, our men’s basketball team delivered one of its most memorable campaigns to date in the Gatorade University Basketball League (UBL) 2026, at SJKC Han Ming Indoor Basketball Court from 26 September 2026 – 31 October 2026.
Finishing as UBL 2026 runners-up, the team reinforced Monash University Malaysia’s growing status as a formidable varsity powerhouse. Beyond the scoreboard, their journey was defined by tactical discipline, relentless team chemistry, and an ability to balance demanding academic pursuits with top-tier athletic performance.
The defining highlight of Monash’s UBL campaign was an explosive, undefeated streak through the group stages, a run that served notice to the rest of the league.
Among those victories was a thrilling 5-point triumph over Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TARUMT), the team that would ultimately capture the title. In a gritty contest decided by tight defensive rotations and clutch execution, Monash proved they could compete with and overcome the nation's elite sporting teams.
While individual skill set the foundation, Monash’s success stemmed from total buy-in across the roster, with every player executing a clear role:
- Dexter Looi Chee Fung (Point Guard): The offensive orchestrator and top scorer, controlling the tempo and setting up high-percentage scoring opportunities.
- Yan Pei & Iou En Yi: The perimeter engine, combining clutch three-point shooting with sharp ball-handling to crack opposing zone defences.
- Richie Linardi & Geoffrey Tan: Wing agitators who brought high intensity, attacking the rim aggressively while anchoring key perimeter match-ups.
- Chong Yu Kang: The defensive catalyst, leveraging lightning-fast lateral speed to disrupt opposing ball-handlers.
- Yuan Zheng & Melvin Yeo Zhen Rong: Interior workhorses who limited second-chance points and secured critical defensive boards.
- Moses Wong Bo Kai & Tan Jian Wei: The squad's stabilising forces, executing high-screen setups, diving for loose balls, and delivering composure under pressure.
What makes the team’s UBL run even more impressive is the context of their preparation. Operating as true student-athletes, the squad managed demanding lecture schedules, lab sessions, and exams alongside late-night strategic sessions and physical conditioning.
Reflecting on the campaign, Dexter, Head Coach, praised the players' resilience and alignment: "I'm incredibly proud of what this team has achieved throughout UBL 2026. Every player deserves recognition for their hard work, discipline and commitment, especially for making time for training despite the demanding academic workload. What impressed me most was how well everyone bought into the team's system. Our offensive and defensive strategies worked effectively throughout the competition, but more importantly, everyone understood their roles and was willing to put the team's success above individual achievements.”
He added, "Remaining undefeated until the finals and defeating the eventual champions, TARUMT, during the group stage showed just how much we were capable of as a team. Although we fell short in the finals, finishing as UBL runners-up and securing a Top 4 finish at SUKIPT are achievements that we should all be proud of."
The UBL silver medal adds to a stellar sporting year for Monash University Malaysia, building on a Top 4 finish at SUKIPT and a 2nd place finish at ESP MASISWA.
Rather than resting on their laurels, the team has already shifted focus to their next major challenge: the upcoming ESP 2026 Varsity Competition. Carrying forward court-tested tactical discipline, deep squad depth, and unshakeable momentum, our men’s basketball team is primed to make another championship push.
As their coach summed up: "This is only the beginning for us. I'm excited to see what more this group can accomplish, and I hope we can continue building on this momentum, bringing home more awards and competing for more championships together."