The 2026 Melbourne Winter Battle Grand Final delivered a thrilling finish, with WUT overcoming the Kings 74-67 to capture the championship. In a hard-fought contest between two determined sides, WUT produced a dominant offensive display when it mattered most, pulling away late and holding off every Kings challenge to secure the Winter Battle crown.
Leading the charge for the champions was Shahid Zamani, who once again proved why he is one of the tournament’s premier talents. Zamani filled the stat sheet with 22 points, 6 assists, 4 steals, and four three-pointers, controlling the pace of the game while delivering timely plays on both ends of the floor. His leadership and composure under pressure were instrumental in guiding WUT to the biggest win of their season.
WUT’s attack was powered by a balanced scoring effort. Deng erupted for a game-high 23 points, adding 8 rebounds, 3 steals, and a block, while Gai contributed 10 points and 8 rebounds. WUT also received valuable support throughout the lineup, with multiple players stepping up to provide scoring, rebounding, and defensive energy during key stretches of the contest.
The Kings refused to back down and battled throughout the championship clash, keeping the game competitive deep into the second half. However, WUT’s defensive pressure and ability to convert from beyond the arc proved decisive. Their relentless effort on both ends allowed them to create separation in the closing stages and maintain control when the title was on the line.
When the final buzzer sounded, WUT stood alone at the top of the Melbourne Winter Battle Grand Finals. Behind the star performances of Deng and Zamani and a complete team effort, WUT completed their championship journey in style, etching their name into Winter Battle history as the 2026 Melbourne Winter Battle Grand Final Champions. 🏆🏀
