SANSAR (Mongolia) - The FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup 2025 is not the only half-court event this weekend, with high stakes at play during the Sansar Challenger on September 6-7.
Let's preview the 12th Challenger of the season.
The Favorites
Miami (USA) have top billing in Sansar, but pressure is building on the Americans to end a title drought. It's been more than four months since Miami's spectacular victory at the Utsunomiya Opener although they did round into form during their runner-up effort at WT Lausanne, where James Parrott was unstoppable.
They'll face an early test in Pool A against No.8 seed Barcelona (ESP), who boast Spain's World Cup hero Guim Exposito.
Second seed Liman (SRB) just keep on keeping on and they've reached five finals this season from 10 events. Nemanja Zigon has been a bucket getter all season and you know he'll be gunning for MVP.
Speaking of scoring machines and sniper Antonio Ralat just has to be respected after his heroics this season for Carolina, who are looking to rebound after an early exit in Lausanne.
We just have to rate Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy (MGL) among the favorites because the fourth seed will be inspired by their passionate fans in the bleachers. Plus they have sharpshooter Anand Ariunbold who can heat up quicker than popcorn in the microwave.
The Field
Will the real Riffa (BRN) please stand up? They've gone eight straight events without making it past the quarters, a shocking form slump for a team that has won WT titles previously. But despite these struggles, superstar Dennis Donkor has continued to ball out and if he can get some support then Riffa might finally make a deep run.
Partizan (SRB) have also been a disappointment in 2025 and are nosediving quickly after three straight early exits on the WT tour. But any team with muscular Stefan Milivojevic just has to be respected and we feel like they'll finally click into gear. If you want dark horses then Marijampole Mantinga (LTU) and Zavkhan (MGL) absolutely fit the bill, with the winner of this intriguing Pool B clash likely to make it through to the knockouts.
Pools Pool A: Miami (USA), Barcelona (ESP), Seef (BRN) Pool B: Liman (SRB), Marijampole Mantinga (LTU), Zavkhan (MGL) Pool C: Riffa (BRN), Carolina (PUR), QD Pool D: Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy (MGL), Partizan (SRB), QD
What's at stake The top 3 teams in Sansar will qualify for the WT Shanghai on September 27-28 as part of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour 2025. How to watch The two-day extravaganza is on September 6-7 and you can follow it live on the FIBA 3x3 YouTube pages.
FIBA