NOVI SAD (Serbia) – Home favorites Ub (SRB) added another chapter to their remarkable legacy after defeating fellow Serbian powerhouse Liman (SRB) 20-19 in a pulsating Final to capture the FIBA 3x3 Novi Sad Challenger 2026 title.
It marked Ub's first-ever Novi Sad Challenger crown, with Filip Kaluđerović delivering the decisive basket in the closing moments of a dramatic championship game. Tournament MVP Nenad Nerandžić spearheaded another dominant weekend for the victors, while Antwerp (BEL) and Fuengirola (ESP) also secured qualification for the FIBA 3x3 World Tour Malaga alongside Ub.
The Winner
Ub once again proved why they remain among the elite teams in the Pro Circuit. After topping Pool A with wins over NY Harlem (USA) and Taipei WanBao (TPE), the Serbian giants raised their level even further on Championship Sunday. They opened the knockout stage with a commanding 22-15 victory over Amsterdam RABOBANK (NED) before overcoming a spirited Antwerp (BEL) side 18-16 in a Semi-Final thriller. Trailing midway through the contest, Ub responded with a decisive 6-0 run, highlighted by a clutch two-pointer from Kaluđerović that swung momentum.
The Final demanded one last heroic effort. Kaluđerović poured in nine points, including the go-ahead basket with 30 seconds remaining, while Nerandžić delivered another outstanding all-around tournament. Nerandžić finished the weekend with a total player value of 41.8, along with 30 points, seven dunks and four blocks, underlining his impact on both ends of the floor.
The Runner-up
Liman once again showed why they are one of the Challenger circuit's most consistent contenders. The Serbian side swept Pool B before defeating Vienna (AUT) 21-16 behind an 11-point explosion from Đorđe Simeunović in the Quarter-Finals. Liman then edged Fuengirola (ESP) 15-14 in a defensive Semi-Final, with Andreja Milutinović scoring six points in a composed team performance. Their title hopes came down to the final possession in an all-Serbian championship game, but despite another resilient display, Liman narrowly fell short after leading late in regulation.
The Final
Ub raced out to a 6-3 advantage before Liman gradually fought back to level the game at 11-11 midway through the contest. Neither side could create separation as the physical battle remained deadlocked at 16-16 entering the closing minutes.
A clutch two-pointer from Stefan Milivojević gave Liman an 18-17 lead, but Ub immediately answered to set up a dramatic finish. After the teams traded baskets to leave the score tied at 19-19 with just 30 seconds remaining, Kaluđerović sank the decisive bucket. Ub then produced one last defensive stand to seal a memorable 20-19 victory and the Novi Sad title.
The Reward
Ub claimed the win and, together with Antwerp (BEL) and Fuengirola (ESP), earned qualification for the FIBA 3x3 World Tour Malaga 2026. Although Liman finished as runners-up, only one Serbian team could qualify directly from the Novi Sad Challenger, allowing the next eligible teams in the standings to secure the remaining World Tour berths.
Final Standings:
1. Ub (SRB) - qualified to WT Malaga 2. Liman (SRB) - only one SRB team can qualify outright from Novi Sad Challenger 3. Antwerp (BEL) - qualified to WT Malaga 4. Fuengirola (ESP) - qualified to WT Malaga 5. Vienna (AUT)
Top Scorers:
1. Jonas Foerts (Antwerp) - 37 pts 2. Filip Kaluđerović (Ub) - 34 pts 3. Nenad Nerandžić (Ub) - 30 pts 4. Dorde Simeunovic (Liman) - 28 pts 5. Diego De Blas (Fuengirola) - 26 pts
FIBA