Liman's strong form continues at China Dragon 3x3 Super League 2024

WUXI SHI (China) - Powerhouse Liman (SRB) continued their strong start to the season after an impressive triumph at the China Dragon 3x3 Super League 2024 on April 14.

Here's what happened.

The winner: Liman (SRB)

Liman are one of the GOATS of 3x3 and they keep regenerating. There is no slowing these spectacular Serbs as they backed up their title at the recent Super Liga Pro 3x3 Espana 2024 in style.  

Liman were unstoppable in a flawless campaign, where they won all five games and hit the magical 21-point mark every time. After easily getting through pool play, Liman were challenged in the quarters by a tough Shanghai (CHN) team led by Chinese superstar Hanyu Guo.  

But the Serbs again proved to be calm under pressure to pull off the W before an easy semi-final victory over a talented ChengDuHeZhong (CHN) team boasting high-flyer Filip Kramer and magician Malik Hluchoweckyj. 

Liman were in familiar final's territory and they again lifted for the occasion with a comfortable victory over Shanghai YM (CHN). 

As the World Tour nears, Liman are making a big statement with superstars Stefan Kojic and Mihailo Vasic enjoying plenty of support from newcomers Marko Stevanovic and Andreja Milutinovic, who have fit in seamlessly to this 3x3 machine. 

 

The runner-up: Shanghai YM (CHN)

There was a loaded contingent of Chinese teams, but it was Shanghai YM who stole the show. They had big wins in pool play to gain confidence as they started the knockouts with a tight victory over WuXiWenLvHuiShan (CHN).

Shanghai YM faced an enormous challenge against superpower Ub (SRB), who if you've somehow forgotten have dominated all before them over the last couple of years. 

Ub boasted the world's best player Strahinja Stojacic and Marko Brankovic, who has ascended to 3x3's elite level. They were joined by recruit Stefan Stojacic, one of the best to ever do it, but Ub were stunned by a surging Shanghai YM inspired by their rowdy fans.

Shanghai YM ran out of puff in the final, but they can be mightily pleased with athletic American Cameron Forte combining superbly with his trio of Chinese teammates. 

 

The Final: Liman 21-Shanghai YM 14

Liman started as warm favorites, but were wary against a Shanghai YM team coming off a monumental upset of Ub.

The Serbs tried to snuff out the Chinese's confidence and they made a fast start after pounding the ball low to the reliable inside scoring source of Mihailo Vasic. 

Shanghai YM countered with athleticism as they kept pace by attacking the rack. But the Serbs had the answers with Kojic dishing prettily to Marko Stevanovic as they maintained a buffer. 

Kojic then decided to do it himself as he nailed a huge two and Liman seemed headed for an easy W. Cameron Forte tried to rally Shanghai YM as he played bully ball and impressively scored on Vasic to keep his side afloat. 

But Kojic proved unstoppable as he sunk the free-throw to seal Liman's title and an MVP performance. 

 

 

The reward: Two tickets to the Chengdu Masters

Liman and Shanghai YM qualified for the Chengdu Masters on June 22-24 as part of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour.

Final Standings:
1. Liman (SRB)
2. Shanghai YM (CHN)
3. Ub (SRB)
4. ChengDuHeZhong (CHN)
5. Shenzhen (CHN)

FIBA