SUKHBAATAR (Mongolia) – Home fans had plenty to celebrate as Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy (MGL) captured the FIBA 3x3 Sukhbaatar Challenger 2026 title after defeating Cibona (CRO) 21-16 in the Final at the iconic Sukhbaatar Square.
The Mongolian powerhouse delivered a composed performance throughout the knockout rounds, overcoming Kaunas VDU (LTU), Liman (SRB) and Cibona to secure their first FIBA 3x3 Challenger title of the season. The victory also earned Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy one of three qualification spots for the FIBA 3x3 World Tour Lausanne alongside runners-up Cibona and third-placed Liman.
The Winner: Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy (MGL)
After finishing second in Pool B behind Cibona, Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy found another gear when it mattered most.
Led by MVP Nauris Miezis, the hosts first eliminated an in-form Kaunas VDU side 21-17 in the Quarter-Finals before producing one of the performances of the tournament in a tense Semi-Final against Liman. In a defensive battle that was tied 6-6 midway through the contest, Ulaanbaatar gradually took control behind Miezis' brilliance. The Latvian star scored the team's last five points, including a crucial two-pointer, to seal a dramatic 15-14 victory.
That momentum carried into the Final as Ulaanbaatar closed out a memorable 21-16 triumph in front of an ecstatic home crowd.
The Runner-up: Cibona (CRO)
Cibona enjoyed an impressive run to the Final and proved to be one of the most consistent teams throughout the tournament.
The Croatian side swept Pool B with victories over Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy and Christchurch BBNZ (NZL) before continuing their dominant form in the knockout rounds. Roko Spaseski exploded for 12 points in a convincing 21-15 Quarter-Final win over Fuengirola (ESP), while Lovre Žaja helped power Cibona to a one-sided 22-9 Semi-Final victory against Sansar M Bank (MGL).
Although they fell short in the Final, Cibona left Mongolia with a FIBA 3x3 World Tour Lausanne ticket and plenty of momentum.
The Final
The Final began as a physical and tightly contested affair, with both teams trading baskets early. Ulaanbaatar eventually seized control behind the playmaking of Nauris Miezis and the scoring punch of Anand Ariunbold. The hosts opened up a 15-10 advantage with less than four minutes remaining before extending the lead to 19-11 shortly afterward.
Cibona refused to go away and mounted a late rally to cut the deficit to 20-16, but the comeback fell short. Enkhbaatar Onolbaatar delivered the decisive basket as Ulaanbaatar sealed the 21-16 victory and sent the home crowd into celebration.
Miezis was the undisputed star of the tournament, earning MVP honors after leading the event in total player value (53.7) and highlights (26). He also finished tied for first in scoring with 37 points while recording a tournament-best 14 key assists.
The Reward
The top three eligible teams earned tickets to the FIBA 3x3 World Tour Lausanne. Champions Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy secured their place alongside Cibona and Liman.
Final Standings:
1. Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy (MGL) - qualified to WT Lausanne 2. Cibona (CRO) - qualified to WT Lausanne 3. Liman (SRB) - qualified to WT Lausanne 4. Sansar M Bank (MGL) 5. Kaunas VDU (LTU)
Top Scorers:
1. Roko Spaseski (Cibona) - 37 pts 2. Nauris Miezis (Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy) - 37 pts 3. Nemanja Zigon (Liman) - 26 pts 4. Fran Grgić (Cibona) - 25 pts 5. Paulius Sorokas (Kaunas VDU) - 25 pts
FIBA