Bulut leads Novi Sad to United League Europe 3x3 title

ST PETERSBURG (Russia) - Dusan Bulut has won at pretty much every type of 3x3 venue we can think of. After his performance in the final of ULE 3x3, we can add a theater stage to his long list of dominance. 

The Final

The game was a heavyweight bout, with neither side willing to back down. Riga pulled ahead early, taking a 13-8 lead, but Novi Sad pushed back, drawing even at 16-16. Then, it was Bulut time. The number two player in the world, scored the final five points to seal the victory and defeat Riga 21-19. Novi Sad overcame a Strahinja Milosevic injury in the final, and with only three players, they were able to pull it out. 

"When Strahinja got injured and we went down to three players, we had nothing to lose. Riga are one of the best teams in the world and we just played relaxed, hit some lucky shots, and that’s how we were able to get the win," said Mr. Bulutproof.

Riga, who played without Karlis Lasmanis, came into the final as the favorite and didn’t disappoint. They gave Cop Moscow a little brother beatdown, winning 22-5 in the quarterfinal, then toughing out a semifinal win vs. Team LT. They met their match in the final, outclassed by Novi Sad in the last possessions. 

Dejan Janjic (Novi Sad), Nauris Miezis (Riga), and Strahinja Milosevic (Novi Sad) made the All-Tournament team, while Dusan Bulut was honored as MVP for the event.

It was the perfect ending to another baller season of United Europe League 3x3.

Dunk contest 

In the dunk contest, Miroslav Eletski was landing more 10s than a model. His first dunk included jumping over a man standing on a chair. He followed that up with an off-the-backboard, 360 slam. He earned a perfect 30 for both of his dunks to take home the top prize.

He even got the attention of Andrei Kirilenko, 3x3 commission president, Russian Basketball Federation president and basketball legend.

The venue 

Following the first three stops, which took place in a shopping mall (TRC "Peter Rainbow"), the season finale was held at the music and drama theater "BUFF" in St. Petersburg, home of shows, plays, and now world-class 3x3 action. 

"I’ve been all around the world, and this is the first time I’m playing in a theatre, and it’s amazing," said Bulut after the win.

What's next

As the winners of the United League Europe 3x3 Novi Sad now qualify for a FIBA 3x3 World Tour event (will be announced at a later stage). Riga, taking second place, has an opportunity to participate in FIBA 3x3 Challenger.

FIBA