Paris live up to hype after winning title at FIBA 3x3 Taipei Challenger 2024

TAIPEI  - Paris (FRA) lived up to top billing after claiming the FIBA 3x3 Taipei Challenger on October 27. 

Here's what happened in the 21st Challenger of the season.

The winner: Paris (FRA)

No Franck Seguela, no worries for top seed France who rode the hot form of MVP Hugo Suhard in an unbeaten campaign. 

Paris have had a brutal schedule in recent months and wisely decided to let Seguela have a breather. Up stepped Suhard, who has been on a heater in recent times.

He was unstoppable to finish with 34 points overall, but he had plenty of support with Alex Vialaret also having the shooter's touch, while Paul Djoko was electric as per usual. 

The Frenchmen cruised along except for a titanic semi-final against hometown heroes Taipei WanBao (TPE), who rode the support of their loud fans. 

But Suhard shut the door on Taipei's furious comeback with a two-point buzzer beater and Paris could not be stopped in the final against Princeton (USA). 

It was the third title of the season for Paris with the promise of more to come. 

 

The runner-up: Princeton (USA)

The Americans came so close to adding a second title this season.

They couldn't quite seal the deal, but should be pleased with their efforts, especially a thrilling semi-final win over San Juan Church's (PUR). All four of their players scored 5 points apiece to underline the evenness of the team.

But Henry Caruso, their best player, was the standout overall as he finished No.1 in player-value (46.8) to illustrate why he is one of the most explosive players on the pro circuit. 

Princeton have had a five-month title drought, but you feel a breakthrough isn't far off. 

 

The Final: Paris 21-Princeton 14

Paris entered as favorite, but had to contend with an amped up Henry Caruso, who exploded for a rim-rattling slam. 

The Frenchmen were not daunted as in-form Hugo Suhard nailed a two before his speedy counterpart Damon Huffman responded with four quick points. 

Alex Vialaret answered with four quick points of his own as Paris regained the lead in this entertaining contest. It appeared this was headed for a classic finish, but Paris made their move with a 7-2 run marked by Suhard and Paul Djoko going bang, bang. 

Paris could not be stopped with Djoko icing the game at the line as the Frenchmen returned to that familiar feeling of victory.  

 

The reward: Three tickets to the Shenzhen Masters

Paris, Princeton and Taipei WanBao qualified to the Shenzhen Masters on November 16-17.

Final Standings:
1. Paris (FRA)
2. Princeton (USA)
3. Taipei WanBao (TPE)
4. San Juan Church's (PUR)
5. Utrecht (NED)

Top Scorers:
1. Antonio Ralat (San Juan Church's, PUR) 39 pts
2. Dorde Simeunovic (Taipei WanBao, TPE) 39 pts
3. Hugo Suhard (Paris, FRA) 34 pts
4. Alex Vialaret (Paris, FRA) 32 pts
5. Henry Caruso (Princeton, USA) 31 pts

Key Stats:
- Olympic gold medalist Dimeo van der Horst had a monster triple-five of 7 points, 5 rebounds and 7 highlights plus the buzzer beater in Utrecht's (NED) Day One victory over San Juan Church's (PUR). 
- Podgorica Kodio (MNE) star Milos Jovanovic had a bumper Day One with consecutive triple-fives against Princeton and Bayankhongor (MGL). 
- Superstar Stefan Milivojevic has a top player-value of (14.6) in Partizan Meta Force's (SRB) Day One win against Wuri (TPE). 

FIBA