NEOM (Saudi Arabia) - Amsterdam (NED) continued momentum with a 2-0 record on Day 1 of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour Neom 2024 on November 8.
TEAMS
AMSTERDAM (NED)
After a dominant display in Abu Dhabi, the Dutch side showed no signs of letting up as they came in swinging in Neom. A 21 - 17 win against Hangzhou kicked off proceedings. Worthy de Jong put up 9 points while Maarten Bouwknecht contributed 6.
The Dutchmen took down contending Vienna next 22 - 16. This time, Bouwknecht caught fire from deep as his 9 points proved to be pivotal alongside de Jong’s 8.
With the final in Hong Kong approaching, the Dutch have their eyes set on a Golden finish to an illustrious season.
UB HUISHAN NE (SRB)
The Serbian Giants faced tough competition in pool play but handled business. They took down Ulaanbaatar in the opener 21 - 14 with World Number 1 Strahinja Stojacic notching 10 points.
It was a battle in a blockbuster affair with fellow Serbian side Liman that saw Nenad Nerandzic call game with a Maurice Lacroix buzzer-beater to grab a 21 - 19 victory for Ub.
The Serbians will be looking to finish the season strong with a successful outing in Neom.
PARTIZAN META FORCE (SRB)
Another Serbian side to go undefeated in pool play was Partizan.
They started out with a statement 17 - 14 win over Paris. Stefan Milovojevic dominated with a 9-point display. They defeated local side AlUla next with another major showing from Milovojevic.
The ever-dangerous Partizan have their eyes set on a stop win in Neom.
MIAMI (USA)
The American side were the final team to finish perfect in pool play.
They picked up a dominant 22 - 12 victory over Raudondvaris to start off. Mitch Hahn came through in a big way for Miami with 8 points and 8 rebounds. Trey Bardsley also finished with 8 points.
They handled business in quick fashion against Plunge with a 21 - 16 win with a evenly spread offensive effort.
PLAYERS
STEFAN MILIVOJEVIC (Partizan)
“The Gladiator” was feeling himself on Day 1 as he played a huge role in Partizan’s 2-0 stint in pool play.
He put up 9 points in both games for his side as he finished with a team-high 18 points.
Partizan would rely on his offensive firepower to be the difference maker in the knockout stage.
STRAHINJA STOJACIC (Ub)
The World Number one was cooking up a storm for his side again. His 10-point game against Ulaanbaatar was key to their win before he added in 6 against Liman in yet another victory.
His impact on both ends of the floor was crucial as he finished with a tournament-high player value of 26.8.
Dr. Strange is on fire and he’ll be looking to lead Ub to another stop win come tomorrow.
QUARTER-FINALS
Ub Huishan NE (SRB) - Vienna (AUT)
Miami (USA) - Paris (FRA)
Partizan Meta Force (SRB) - Raudondvaris Hoptrans (LTU)
Amsterdam (NED) - Liman (SRB)
DAY 2
The action in Neom wraps up tomorrow as we find out who leaves as champs. Tune in LIVE tomorrow to the finals!