By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter
SERBIA kept its stranglehold of the men’s event of the FIBA 3×3 World Cup after bagging its third straight title on Tuesday in the 2018 edition of the tournament even as Italy ruled the women’s division.
Showing its trademark poise and consistency, Serbia outlasted the Netherlands, 16-13, in the finals at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan.
In the women’s division, it was the Italians who topped the tournament, dethroning erstwhile champion Russia, 16-12.
The Netherlands had the Serbians kept at bay early in the finals, holding a 6-5 lead midway into the match.
But Serbia, composed of Dusan Bulut, Dejan Majstorovic, Marko Savic and Stefan Stojacic, would keep coming back, eventually tying the score at 10-10 with two minutes remaining.
Four straight points care of Messrs. Stojacic and Savic after gave Serbia a 15-11 cushion, which proved to be a deep enough hole to bury the Dutch en route to winning the title anew.
The victory handed Serbia its third straight crown in the FIBA 3×3 World Cup and fourth overall in the event’s young history.
Mr. Bulut paced Serbia with seven points. Messrs. Stojacic and Savic added four and three points, respectively.
For the Netherlands it was Jesper Jobse who was the high point man with six points.
“The Dutch are a tough team and they played better this year. It was a team effort for us throughout the tournament,” said Mr. Bulut, the top-ranked FIBA 3×3 player, after their win.
WOMEN’S PLAY
Meanwhile, Italy kept its hard-nosed drive in the 3×3 World Cup to get the better of Russia in the championship game.
Diminutive playmaker Rae Lin D’alie spearheaded the spirited play of the Italians throughout the contest.
She top-scored for her team in the finals with seven points with teammate Giulia Rulli adding four points.
Russia, for its part, was led by Anna Leshkovtseva with four points.
“Just continue pursuing your dreams. I believe in our team. We made sacrifices and really trained hard all year long. And now we are world champions,” said Ms. D’alie following their victory.
Italy with the win joined the ranks of women’s team champions in the World Cup that include the United States, Czech Republic and Russia.
