The University of Manitoba Bisons and University of Winnipeg Wesmen have announced the return of the 34th annual Duckworth Challenge, continuing one of Winnipeg’s longest-running and most competitive interuniversity basketball rivalries.
The Duckworth Challenge begins Thursday and runs through Saturday, featuring men’s and women’s basketball matchups on both campuses as the two institutions compete for city-wide bragging rights. The basketball portion of the Challenge will see games hosted at the University of Manitoba on Thursday evening, followed by a Saturday doubleheader at the University of Winnipeg.
DUCKWORTH CHALLENGE SCHEDULE
THUR JAN. 29
Basketball @ U of M IGAC, Women 6pm / Men 8pm
SAT JAN. 31
Basketball at U of W Duckworth, Women 1pm / Men 3pm
Details of the 34th Duckworth Challenge were formally unveiled at a media conference at City Hall, attended by City of Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham, university presidents, and athletics directors from both institutions. The annual event continues to serve as a showcase of high-level university basketball while highlighting the strong connection between the city, its universities, and student-athletes.
Established in the 1991–92 season by former University of Winnipeg President and University of Manitoba Chancellor Dr. Henry Duckworth, the Challenge was created to spotlight the competitive rivalry between the two universities. Over more than three decades, the series has produced closely contested matchups, with Manitoba holding an overall record of 80-67-3. The Bisons have won the last two Challenges, while both programs have each claimed three titles over the past six years.
For the first time in the event’s history, the winning institution will be recognized beyond campus, with its colours illuminated on the "WINNIPEG" sign at The Forks, adding a new city-wide dimension to the rivalry.
Basketball results will play a decisive role in determining the Challenge outcome. In basketball competition, point differential is used to allocate Duckworth Challenge points, with each point of victory counting as one Challenge point. These margins will be factored into the overall standings should the series be tied. This year’s Duckworth Challenge is expected to deliver high-intensity, competitive games and strong fan engagement across both campuses.
Tickets for basketball games are available through the host institutions, and fans are encouraged to attend and support local university basketball and student-athletes from across Manitoba.
READ MORE AND BUY TICKETS AT WESMEN.CA
READ MORE AND BUY TICKETS AT GOBISONS.CA
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