Hangzhou: The National Chengchi University (NCCU) Griffins emerged victorious in the inaugural Asian University Basketball League (AUBL) championship, securing an 82-79 win over Tsinghua University from China. This victory, achieved at the Binjiang Gymnasium, marks a significant milestone for the Griffins, who have been leading Taiwan's university men's basketball for five consecutive seasons.

According to Focus Taiwan, the tournament featured 12 teams from across Asia, including participants from Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Mongolia. Sung Hsin-hao, a senior guard from the Griffins, was named the Finals MVP after an outstanding performance with 29 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists. Sung received his third Player of the Game award during the seven-day competition.

During the post-game press conference, Sung emphasized the importance of adhering to the coaching strategy, which involved neutralizing Tsinghua's key player. Despite his exemplary performance and being named to the All-AUBL Team, Sung stated that his primary focus remains on completing his bachelor's degree and did not comment on potential plans to enter the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) draft in 2026.

The AUBL, certified by the Asian University Sports Federation, follows the 2024 Asian University Basketball Challenge. It is recognized as the first pan-regional league dedicated to university teams across Asia. The South China Morning Post quoted AUBL chief executive Jay Li discussing plans for expansion, with the league aiming to include 15 or 16 teams for the next season, set to begin in late 2026. Li highlighted the appeal of college sports, noting that while the athletes may not always be well-known superstars, their dedication and competitive spirit make the games exciting to watch.