Waikato Defends Women’s Title as Lincoln Men do the Double

The University of Waikato successfully defended its women’s title at the 2026 National Tertiary Basketball Championships at Parakiore Recreation & Sport Centre in Christchurch, while the Lincoln University men matched their 3x3 gold from earlier in the year.

Eight men's teams and eight women's teams competed across three days from 11–13 September, with the championships bringing together some of New Zealand's leading university basketball talent.

The women's competition saw the University of Waikato successfully defend its national title, overcoming the University of Otago to retain the shield. The University of Auckland women backed up this year’s 3x3 title by claiming third over Victoria University of Wellington.

Waikato's Krystal Leger-Walker was named Women's MVP and was selected alongside teammate Carly Ohia in the Women's Tournament Team. Auckland's Emma Ah Hing and Otago duo Tia Pavihi and Alexa Duff completed the five-player selection.

The men's competition produced a new champion, with Lincoln University taking the title to end the University of Canterbury's three-year reign. The University of Auckland finished runners-up, with the University of Otago claiming bronze over the defending champions Canterbury.

Lincoln's Tony Worthington was named Men's MVP after an outstanding tournament, while he was joined by teammate Cody Stevens on the Men's Tournament Team. Canterbury's Christopher Christof, Otago's Patrick Freeman and Auckland's Joel Sagala completed the five-player selection.

Massey University's men's team was recognised with the Spirit Team Award, acknowledging their contribution to the atmosphere and spirit of the championships throughout the tournament.

The National Tertiary Basketball Championships once again provided student-athletes with the opportunity to represent their universities on the national stage, while showcasing the depth of basketball talent across the tertiary sector.

Congratulations to Lincoln University on their men's championship, the University of Waikato on successfully defending the women's title, and to all teams, athletes, officials, volunteers and organisers who contributed to a successful three days at Parakiore Recreation & Sport Centre.