Gritty Partizan win FIBA 3x3 Clermont-Ferrand Challenger 2024

CLERMONT-FERRAND (France) - Partizan (SRB) showcased their fighting spirit to claim the FIBA 3x3 Clermont-Ferrand Challenger 2024 on June 16. 

Here's what happened in the fourth Challenger of the season.

The winner: Partizan (SRB)

They were: No.1 most points scored and most highlights

After losing a thriller against Bordeaux Ballistik (FRA) in their opener, Partizan had their backs to the wall against compatriots Liman (SRB). 

They appeared set for an early exit,  but found a way to launch a stirring comeback and eventually win in OT.

That never-say-die attitude was the hallmark for the Serbs on Day Two, who had to fight for their lives in every game of the knockouts. 

Partizan again had to fight back to haul in No.2 seed Vienna (AUT) in the quarters before cold-blooded Stefan Milivojevic went bang to call game.

They started slowly in the semis against crowd favorite Paris (FRA), but Partizan were not to be denied with Milan Skundric forcing OT before being the hero in extra time. 

Partizan were on a roll and could not be stopped as they were on fire in the final against San Juan Church's (PUR) in a shootout. Milos Supica is a star in the making as he proved in a MVP performance, while Milivojevic stuffed the stats sheet. 

 

The runner-up: San Juan Church's (PUR) 

Much like Partizan, San Juan had to do it the hard way after an opening loss to Vienna in a heart-stopper.

But they did enough to make it to Day Two, where they were pushed to the brink by impressive Bordeaux Ballistik in the quarters. 

Superstars Antonio Ralat and Luis Cuascut stepped up in the clutch to get the Puerto Ricans over the line and then they edged Dusseldorf LFDY (GER) in a tough semi-final. 

San Juan fell short against Partizan in the final, but once again there was a lot to like. Ralat was on a heater all tournament to finish No.1 in points (41) and player-value (50.3). 

 

The Final: Partizan 21-San Juan Church's 17 

These teams took the World Tour by storm in 2023 and have gone up a level this year, promising an epic final. 

They did not disappoint with both teams shooting the lights out. Luis Cuascut played bully ball to give San Juan the fast start before it was time for the shooters to unload their bullets. 

Antonio Ralat went bang, but Milan Skundric answered as flames were emanating out of the half-court. Stefan Torbica was feeling the heat and he made a trio of buckets as Partizan edged ahead. 

Milan Skundric danced to the rim prettily for the tough finish to continue the scoring binge. There was no stopping these bucket getters with Leandro Allende keeping the Puerto Ricans in it as he attacked the rim with confidence. 

Stefan Milivojevic went into Gladiator mode with the huge two-ball as Partizan sniffed the title. It wasn't done yet with Puerto Rican miracle worker Ralat scoring three quick points to make things interesting. 

But Milivojevic kept his cool and called game with the two from the left side as Partizan celebrated the W. 

 

The reward: Three tickets to the Lausanne Masters

With Partizan having already qualified, San Juan Church's, Paris and Dusseldorf LFYD booked their spots to the Lausanne Masters on August 16-17.

Final Standings:
1. Partizan (SRB)
2. San Juan Church's (PUR)
3. Paris (FRA)
4. Dusseldorf LFYD (GER)
5. Vienna (AUT)

Top Scorers:
1. Antonio Ralat (San Juan, PUR) 41 pts
2. Milos Supica (Partizan, SRB) 35 pts
3. Leon Fertig (Dusseldorf LFDY, GER) 31 pts
4. Stefan Milivojevic (Partizan, SRB) 28 pts
5. Franck Seguela (Paris, FRA) 28 pts

Key Stats:
- Young gun Leon Fertig had a standout tournament with his masterpiece being 12 points, 5 highlights and a player-value of 16.1 against Marijampole Mantinga (LTU) in the quarters. 
- Riffa (BRN) had a winless campaign, but Dennis Donkor did all he could against Dusseldorf LFDY  with 12 points, 5 rebounds and 3 highlights. 
- The pulsating final between Partizan and San Juan Church's was the second shortest game of the tournament lasting just 5'23". 

FIBA