BORDEAUX (France) - There seems to be nothing stopping No.1 Ub (SRB) after the world's best team stormed to another title at the FIBA 3x3 Bordeaux Challenger on August 22-23. Here is what happened in the 10th Challenger of the season. The winner: Ub (SRB) They were: No.1 points scored, best shooting value & fewest points allowed
In the midst of an absolute heat check, Ub's sizzling form continued after winning their fourth straight title and seventh in the last eight events. Ub are just unconscious right now and were at a different level in Bordeaux, winning four games by at least 5 points including the final against rival Liman (SRB).
Their only serious challenge was in the quarters against emerging Kandava Turiba (LAT), led by Latvian legend Edgars Krumins who has had so many epic battles against the Serbs over the years.
But big fella Nenad Nerandzic stepped up in the clutch as Ub survived 19-18 before they resumed normal duties. Even without his trademark moustache, Strahinja Stojacic still had his superpowers as 'Doctor Strange' won another MVP.
Vuk Vukicevic also underscored Ub's depth as he seamlessly filled the shoes of superstar Marko Brankovic.
The runner-up: Liman (SRB)
They were: No.2 fewest points allowed
They may have fallen short of a second season title, but Liman's excellent 2025 continued after reaching the final for the fifth time from nine events. Liman's defense was a standout as they limited teams to 14 points and under until the semis.
Marko Stevanovic controlled the paint all tournament and led Liman with 7 points and 5 rebounds in their tight 21-17 win against Valencia (ESP) in the semis. Andreja Milutinovic and Nemanja Zigon also battled hard throughout as Liman again made a deep run.
The Final: Ub 20-Liman 15
Once again these two Serb rivals met with a title on the line and another passionate contest ensued. The scoring was difficult amid such high intensity and with defenses ramped up.
There was little separating the teams early, but Ub completely suffocated Liman who went three minutes without scoring. A trademark Stojacic dunk down the lane helped lift Ub to a handy 10-4 lead before Milutinovic inspired Liman on a 6-1 run.
Ub had all the answers as Nemanja Barac, so confident after winning the MVP in Lausanne, scored 7 of his team's final 8 points to outlast Liman. Even without Brankovic and Dejan Majstorovic, Ub's winning streak extended and one wonders when it will end.
The reward: Three tickets to WT Shenzhen Riffa joined Ub and Valencia as the qualified teams for WT Shenzhen on October 4-5. Final Standings: 1. Ub (SRB) 2. Liman (SRB) 3. Valencia (ESP) 4. Toulouse (FRA) 5. Riffa (BRN) Top Scorers: 1. Dennis Donkor (Riffa, BRN) 33 pts 2. Javier Herrero (Valencia, ESP) 32 pts 3. Marko Stevanovic (Liman, SRB) 31 pts 4. Strahinja Stojacic (Ub, SRB) 30 pts 5. Nemanja Barac (Ub, SRB) 27 pts Key Stats: - Riffa (BRN) superstar Dennis Donkor had a monster 13 points and 5 highlights against Valencia on Day One. - Toulouse talisman Frank Seguela had 11 points, 5 rebounds and 3 highlights, while recording a top overall player-value of 17.9, against Plunge (LTU) in pool play. - Ub's beatdown of Toulouse in the semis lasted just 4'42" in playing time to be the shortest game of the tournament.
FIBA