The Loughborough University Women’s 1st team were crowned BUCS National Champions after a composed and hard-fought victory over the University of Essex in the BUCS Finals, pulling away late to secure a deserved 69–57 win.
In a final packed with momentum swings, defensive intensity and clutch execution, Loughborough produced a dominant second-half performance to take control and lift the national title, a triumph made even more special given the strong Leicester connection within the squad.
Many of the players competing in the final also represent the Leicester Riders Women’s team in the Super League Basketball Women’s competition, highlighting the strength of the performance pathway between Loughborough University and elite domestic basketball.
Head Coach Nick Moodey praised both the resilience and unity shown by his side after the game:
“I’m incredibly proud of this group. They showed real composure when the game got tough early on and trusted the work we’ve put in all season.
The way they defended and stayed connected as a team in the second half really reflects the culture we’re building here. To see so many Riders players contributing to a national championship makes it even more special.”
Essex Strike First
Essex started the stronger of the two sides, building an early advantage through aggressive drives and second-chance opportunities. Midway through the second quarter they stretched their lead to 26–18, forcing Loughborough to respond.
The turning point began with defensive pressure led by captain Brooke Bigott, whose all-around influence became increasingly important as the game developed. Bigott finished with 13 points, nine rebounds, five assists and five steals in 33 minutes, helping spark the defensive intensity that shifted momentum. Improved rebounding across the team allowed Loughborough to find rhythm offensively, while efficient interior finishing from Mercy Ademusayo, who shot an impressive 5-of-9 from the field for 10 points alongside nine rebounds steadily cut into the deficit.
A late scoring burst reduced the gap to just two possessions before halftime, with Loughborough beginning to impose their physicality and defensive structure on the contest.
Credit: Leicester Riders | Nathan Green
Loughborough Take Control in the Third
The third quarter proved decisive. With the game tied at 47–47, Loughborough elevated their defensive intensity, forcing turnovers and converting quickly in transition.
Ademusayo continued to anchor the inside presence, while strong playmaking from Jada Holland helped organise the offence during key stretches. Holland contributed six points, eight assists and five rebounds, controlling tempo and ensuring Loughborough capitalised on defensive stops despite shooting pressure from the perimeter.
Additional scoring support came from Katie Januszewska, who delivered a crucial offensive performance with a team-high 16 points on 6-of-14 shooting, including two three-pointers and perfect free-throw shooting. Her scoring helped stretch Essex’s defence and created space for Loughborough’s interior attacks.
A key three-pointer extended the lead before consecutive interior scores pushed Loughborough into sustained control of the contest. By the end of the quarter, Loughborough had transformed a halftime deficit into a 54–47 advantage, completing a remarkable momentum swing built on defence and execution.
Credit: Leicester Riders | Nathan Green
Defensive Discipline Seals the Title
Essex attempted to rally early in the fourth period, cutting the margin to five points at 62–57, but Loughborough’s composure proved decisive.
Defensive rebounding became a defining factor, with Louisa Gibbins playing a crucial role on the glass. Gibbins collected nine rebounds, while adding six points and key defensive stops that denied Essex second-chance opportunities during the closing stages.
Under pressure, Holland and Bigott controlled possession and limited turnovers, allowing Loughborough to manage the tempo effectively. The championship moment arrived in the closing seconds when a clutch three-pointer extended the lead to 69–57, effectively sealing the victory and igniting celebrations on the bench.
From there, Loughborough confidently managed the clock, closing out the game to secure the BUCS Championship.
Credit: BUCS Sport | Hoopsfix Women
Champions Through Team Effort
The victory was built on collective execution and balanced contributions across the starting unit. Januszewska’s scoring punch, Ademusayo’s interior efficiency, Bigott’s leadership and defensive playmaking, Holland’s control of the offence, and Gibbins’ rebounding presence combined to deliver a complete team performance.
After weathering Essex’s early momentum, Loughborough’s defensive resilience and second-half composure ultimately proved the difference, as the Women’s 1s completed an outstanding finals performance to be crowned national champions.
