Ub back on track on Day 1 at 3x3 World Tour Hong Kong Masters

Hong Kong (China) - Ub Huishan NE (SRB) bounce back after an early exit in Manama to go perfect on Day 1 of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour Hong Kong Masters on November 25. 

THE TEAM

It’s been a tough few Masters for the Serbian Giants after going 6-0 to start the season. They exited in the Pool Phase for the first time since 2021 in Manama, and with the final in Jeddah around the corner, Ub had to gain their momentum back. 

The pool phase was going to offer a stiff challenge yet again as they would take on Princeton in the opener. It was a slow start for the team as Princeton took control. Henry Caruso and Damon Huffman were unstoppable as they gripped the game early. Holding onto a strong 8 - 14 lead, Ub fought back. Nenad Nerandzic and Vladimir Dordevic grabbed crucial buckets while Strahinja Stojacic did what he does best. He finished with 8 points as they came back to win 21 - 16.

It was Hangzhou next with the result remaining the same. Ub rode the momentum from their last game and started off hot. Marko Brankovic scored 7 while Stojacic scored 12 points in a 21 - 11 winning effort. 

Amsterdam were the only other side to finish the day 2-0 as they handedly defeated Jeddah before coming away with a statement win against Lausanne. 

THE PLAYER

Amsterdam’s (NED) Worthy De Jong was his usual self yet again, though with a new hairstyle. He put up 11 points in the opener against Jeddah while also being a massive presence of defense. A 9-point effort against Lausanne was the difference maker yet again as his versatile firepower in tandem with flash made him a force in Hong Kong just as he’s been all season. He finished with a Player Value of 17.9. 

QUARTER-FINALS

Ub Huishan NE (SRB) - Lausanne Sport LS (SUI)

Raudondvaris Hoptrans (LTU) - Paris (FRA)

Omaha (USA) - Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy (MGL)

Amsterdam HiPRO (NED) - Princeton (USA)

STATS

- Damon Huffman finished as top scorer with 21 points.

- Ub’s Strahinja Stojacic finished with the highest Player Value score of 23.0.

- Plunge’s Ignas Razutis racked up the highlights, finishing with 11. 

- Westher Molteni grabbed the most rebounds on the day (18).