Lasmanis leads Beijing to title at FIBA 3x3 Suntory Shanghai Challenger 2023

SHANGHAI (China) - MVP Karlis Lasmanis was spectacular and he inspired Beijing's (CHN) triumph at the FIBA 3x3 Suntory Shanghai Challenger. 

Here's what happened.

The winners: Beijing (CHN)

They were: No.3 Shooting Value

Since the arrivals of superstars Lasmanis and Nauris Miezis, Beijing have frustratingly not been able to make a Masters final. 

But their top form on the pro circuit continued in Shanghai, where Beijing collected their fourth title of the season. 

It didn't start well with Beijing unconvincing on Day One, where they lost to Warsaw Lotto (POL). 

In a battle of high-profile Chinese teams, Beijing outlasted Futian in a quarter-final classic largely due to the brilliance of Lasmanis who dominated with 13 points. 

Lasmanis was on a roll and again proved the difference in the semi-finals as Beijing edged top seeds Vienna (AUT) before taking the title with a tight victory over Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy. 

Putting on his superhero cape, Lasmanis aka 'Batman' was on another level to finish No.1 in points (47) and player value (38) and fittingly claim the MVP.

 

The runner's-up: Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy (MGL)

The Mongolians have enjoyed a consistent season, but are still seeking their first title of 2023 after again falling short. 

After a first up loss to Futian, Ulaanbaatar stayed alive after beating compatriots Bayangol Broncos (MGL) and then went up a gear with beatdowns of Warsaw Lotto and NY Harlem (USA).

But for the second time this season, Ulaanbaatar couldn't get it done in the final as they remain titleless. 

Dynamic duo: Ulaanbaatar stars Steve Sir and Dulguun Enkhbat rose to the occasion and packed a deadly one-two punch in Shanghai. 

They combined for 60 points and 15 two-pieces to power the Mongolians to the final. 

Sir was at his lethal best with 10 points in the semi-final win over NY Harlem, while Enkhbat was a beast on the boards to finish No.1 in rebounds (23).

The Final: Beijing 19-Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy 16

Beijing had the support of a capacity crowd, but faced a determined Ulaanbaatar looking to end their title drought. 

Nauris Miezis scored within the opening 10 seconds to ignite Beijing and he nailed a two-piece to give them a 4-0 lead. 

But the Mongolians hit back with a layup from Dulguun Enkhbat getting them back in the game. Lasmanis emerged from a slow start by feeding partner-in-crime Miezis for a bucket then scored his first point with an uncontested shot at the rim. 

Lasmanis activated his bat signal as he hit a two-piece then made a tough drive as Beijing took control.

Ulaanbaatar tried to rally but Beijing had all the answers with a Lasmanis layup giving them a handy 16-9 lead. 

Expect the Mongolians to roll over? Think again. Ulaanbaatar chipped away and got within 17-16 when Enkhbat nailed a two.

Fittingly, it was Lasmanis who stepped up in the clutch with a layup and a dunk to seal another Beijing title on the pro circuit. 

 

The reward: Three tickets to the Chengdu Masters

Beijing, Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy and Vienna joins Ub Huishan NE and Raudondvaris Hoptrans as the teams qualified to the Chengdu Masters on October 21-22.

Final Standings:
1. Beijing (CHN)
2. Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy (MGL)
3. Vienna (AUT)
4. NY Harlem (USA)
5. Futian (CHN)

Top Scorers:
1. Karlis Lasmanis (Beijing, CHN) 47 pts
2. Steve Sir (Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy, MGL) 31 pts
3. Dulguun Enkhbat (Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy, MGL) 29 pts
4.  Matthias Linortner (Vienna, AUT) 27 pts
5. Quincy Diggs (Vienna, AUT) 24 pts

Key Stats:
- Third seeds Liman Huishan NE (SRB) crashed out on Day One after losing to Sansar MMC Energy (MGL) and Marseille (FRA).
- Superstar Thibaut Vervoort erupted for a triple-five of 10 points, 7 rebounds and 5 highlights in Futian's quarter-final loss to Beijing.
- Sansar MMC Energy (MGL) star Anand Ariunbold enhanced his reputation as a sniper after hitting the only buzzer beater of the tournament when his two-piece took down Liman Huishan NE on Day One. 

FIBA