BANGKOK (Thailand) - Canada (women) and Serbia (men) shine with perfect showing on Day 1 of the FIBA 3x3 Champions Cup 2025 on March 14.
TEAMS
SERBIA (men)
The Serbian Giants were out to make a statement in Bangkok after a somewhat frustrating 2024 season. A new-look side led by Marko Brankovic achieved just that with a strong unbeaten display on Day 1.
It was a thriller against a gutsy Madagascar side who kept answering back to the call. Their post-work allowed them to get points in the paint thanks to Nenad Nerandzic, but it was offensive juggernaut Stefan Milivojevic who took plaudits with a 10-point game in a 21 - 19 win.
Their shining moment came in their second game however, as they took on Olympic champs in the Netherlands. It was a back-and-forth battle that stifled both teams offensively. With the Dutch up two with seconds to go, Nerandzic put up a clutch two to take the game to Overtime. It was his buckets in OT that finally closed off the game in favor of the Serbians with a 14 - 12 scoreline.
They now head into Day 2 with their hand firmly on a semi-final spot.
CANADA (women)
The Canadians showcased just why they’re one of the most dominant sides in 3x3 as they finished perfect on the day. Taking the court with the same core that won the 3x3 Americup at the end of last season, they carried the momentum forward on Day 1 in Bangkok.
It was a gritty 14 - 10 victory against Germany to start off in one of the marquee matchups of the day. Paige Crozon and Saicha Grant-Allen put up 5 each while Katherine Plouffe added 4 points and 7 crucial rebounds.
They made quick work of Madagascar in their second tie, the opposition having no answer for the physicality of Plouffe and Grant-Allen. Both combined for 15 points and 12 rebounds as they came away with a 21 - 6 victory.
They enter tomorrow’s action with a 2-0 record as they get set to face China.
Another team that made headlines was home side Thailand. They competed against France in the opener and caught fire from deep. The team put up a whopping 9 2-pointers through Rattiyakorn Udomsuk and Supavadee Kunchuan who combined for 20 points in a huge winning effort.
They’ll hope to carry forward their momentum into a decisive Day 2.
PLAYERS
NENAD NERANDZIC (men)
The big man from Serbia was responsible for their 2-0 showing on Day 1. Madagascar had no answer for him in their first game as he put up 7 points in a 21 - 19 win.
He put up a monster game against the Dutch, with 8 points along with a whopping 14 rebounds. 4 of the 8 points came in the final few seconds plus OT as his takeover late in the game earned them a victory over the Olympic gold medalists.
RATTIYAKORN UDOMSUK (women)
The Thailand star, known for her offensive outbursts, delivered another stellar showing in their sole game tonight. She got the crowd going with a barrage of twos, nailing down 5 of them against France before scoring the game-winning free throw.
Her 11-point display bookended a spectacular upset victory over France as they now hold the advantage heading into their remaining pool games tomorrow.
DAY 2
Pool play wraps up tomorrow as we play the decisive games tomorrow to determine who’ll go on to compete in the Semi-finals on Day 3. Tune in LIVE for all the action.