Chongming claim title at FIBA 3x3 Xiong'an Challenger 2024

XIONG'AN (China) - Chongming (CHN) won their first title of the season after claiming the Xiong'an Challenger 2024 on September 1.

Here's what happened in the 14th Challenger of the season.

The winner: Chongming (CHN)

Chongming (CHN) are rising and loom as a danger for the remainder of 2024. This emerging Chinese team have loaded up with the additions of long-time 3x3 superstar Karlis Lasmanis and new sensation Cameron Forte. 

They were unstoppable in their debut as a duo to lead Chongming to a flawless title campaign. But it wasn't easy with Chongming getting past Sansar (MGL) in a Day One thriller before edging Princeton (USA) in the quarters. 

Chongming's firepower overpowered Lithuanian teams Marijampole Mantinga (LTU) and a three-man Raudondvaris Hoptrans (LTU) as they made a serious statement. 

Forte deservedly won the MVP after finishing No.1 in points (41) and player-value (47). 

 

The runner-up: Raudondvaris Hoptrans (LTU)

The Lithuanians continued their outstanding season with another deep run, which included a thrilling Day One dub against Marupe (LAT). 

But they had to dig deep after sharpshooter Marijus Uzupis was unable to play after their thrilling quarter-final victory over Utsunomiya BREX EXE (JPN). 

A three-man Raudondvaris produced a brave effort to down Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy (MGL) in the semis as Modestas Kumpys went crazy with 8 points and 11 highlights. 

The top seed ran out of gas in the final, but once again won the respect from all who watched them. 

 

The Final: Chongming 21-Raudondvaris Hoptrans 16

With Raudondvaris playing without a sub, Chongming fancied their chances and pounded the ball to scoring machine Cameron Forte, who was red hot to score his team's first five points. 

Forte continued to play bully ball and attack the rim as Chongming started to skip ahead. Modestas Kumpys answered back with his own aggressiveness as both teams powered towards the magical target of 21. 

It was time for legendary Karlis Lasmanis to step up and he nailed a clutch two to break the deadlock before a couple of twos from ZhiChao Xiang sealed Chongming's sweet title triumph. 

 

The reward: Three tickets to the Amsterdam Masters

Chongming, Raudondvaris Hoptrans and Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy qualified to the Amsterdam Masters on October 12-13.

Final Standings:
1. Chongming (CHN)
2. Raudondvaris Hoptrans (LTU)
3. Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy (MGL)
4. Marijampole Mantinga (LTU)
5. Utsunomiya BREX EXE (JPN)

Top Scorers:
1. Cameron Forte (Chongming, CHN) 41 pts
2. Evaldas Dziaugys (Raudondvaris Hoptrans, LTU) 40 pts
3. Modestas Kumpys (Raudondvaris Hoptrans, LTU) 27 pts
4. Steve Sir (Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy, MGL) 26 pts
5. Tautvydas Kliucinykas (Marijampole Mantinga, LTU) 24 pts 

Key Stats:
- Zygimantas Simonis had a player value of 15.1 in Marijampole Mantinga's (LTU) victory over Utsunomiya BREX EXE. 
- Stefan Milivojevic showcased why he is one of the most entertaining players in the game after finishing No.1 in highlights per game (4.7). 
- The final between Raudondvaris Hoptrans and Chongming was the shortest game of the tournament at 7'04 in playing time.

FIBA