Manila North falls to NoviSad AlWahda in FIBA 3X3 Manila Masters final

MANILA, Philippines – Reigning FIBA 3×3 World Tour champions NoviSad AlWahda from Dubai took down hometown team Manila North, 21-14, in the finals of the 2015 FIBA 3×3 World Tour Manila Masters leg on Sunday, August 2, at the Robinson’s Place Manila.

Coming in as the number one seed of the tournament, NoviSad AlWahda raced off to a quick 11-3 start and didn’t look back the rest of the way, even extending their lead up to 19-8. 

Dusan Domovic Bulut, ranked the number one 3×3 player in the world by FIBA, eventually sealed the win – and championship – with a jumper for his team, which is also comprised of Dejan Majstorovic, Marko Savic, and Marko Zdero – ranked 2, 3, and 4 in the world, respectively.

Their first and second place finishes sealed a trip to the 2015 3×3 World Tour Finals in Abu Dhabi from October 15-16 for NoviSad AlWahda and Manila North, which was composed of PBA players Calvin Abueva, Karl Dehesa, and Vic Manuel, and former NU Bulldog Troy Rosario, who’s expected to be a top one or two pick in the 2015 PBA Draft.

Earlier on Sunday, Manila North defeated Kobe from Japan, 21-19, in the quarterfinals before taking down Manila Masters leg defending champion Manila West (KG Canaleta, Rey Guevarra, Aldrech Ramos, Terrence Romeo), 21-18, in the semis. 

Abueva scored 10 points in the semifinal match, including throwing down a highlight jam late in the contest. The win was sealed by Manuel, who hit a crucial layup after 7 consecutive points by Romeo helped trimmed Manila North’s lead from 18-11 to 20-18.

Romeo and the rest of Manila West took down Longshi from China, 21-19, in the quarters. – Rappler.com