3x3 World Tour 2018 - Goyang Challenger Full Review
Image: FIBA.com
Energetic, resolute and shrewd, Saskatoon took top honours in the Goyang Challenger - the first event of the 3x3 season, where places on the upcoming World Tour were up for grabs. Spectators of the event in the bustling Korean metropolis were treated to quite a show, where the Canadian team were the biggest stars.
From the start, Saskatoon faced tough competition in their pool from Khovd - who conclusively won a spot in the main competition topping their qualifying pool - and Belgrade. They convincingly beat Khovd 21-10, but then lost by two points to Belgrade. All teams finished with a 1-1 record, and with Khovd’s winning margin being the smallest - one point over Belgrade - they would be the one who lost out.
Reigning World Tour champions Zemun breezed through the pool stage in characteristic fashion - dispatching Seoul and then Oita by double-digit margins. Winning the remaining fixture 21-19, Oita would go on to join Zemun in the knockout round.
Making the biggest impression on day one was Princeton, who opened their campaign with a twelve-point win over Gangnam, then overcoming tough defence from Riga to take a comprehensive final win and top Pool B. Riga would be joining them following their 20-14 victory over Gangnam. Finally, Songpa - who won their place in Pool D through the qualifying draw - were quickly eliminated after heavy defeats to Amsterdam and Ulanbaatar, who were left to duke it out for the top spot. It was the most competitive match of the first day, but Amsterdam’s outside shooting gave them a big buffer which kept them in the lead throughout the game
Image:FIBA.com
Saskatoon won their semi final spot on day two with a blowout win over Oita, while Zemun also advanced with a similarly convincing win against an otherwise solid Belgrade. Riga took an early lead against Amsterdam, and their offensive strength saw them hold their advantage to the end, setting up a semi-final matchup against Zemun.
Princeton faced the biggest challenge of the quarter finals, against a determined-looking Ulanbaatar. Both teams were big in the paint, alert and quick to act, making it hard for the other team to break away. After Princeton got to within a point of victory, the Mongolians narrowed the gap to one late in the game. The team from New Jersey finally put the game to bed with a shot from the line, making the semi-finals with a 21-19 win over Ulanbaatar.
Princeton’s run in Goyang would come to an end in the semi finals, despite taking an early lead against Saskatoon. The tenacious Canadian team, though, did well to share the ball and find open looks, turning the game around and advancing to the final with a four-point victory over their North American rivals. They would face Zemun, who had won their place in the final after a more hard-fought game against Riga, where they had to fight for control but eventually won 19-17.
Zemun took a big lead in the final, but Saskatoon would close the gap mid-way through proceedings. After a long deadlock, Jordan Baker gave Saskatoon a lead they would hold on to. Playing smart basketball, communicating well as a team and doing well to find open looks, Saskatoon ended the game 17-11, and at the same time the Goyang Challenger title.
Both finalists earn a spot on the first leg of the 2018 World Tour, while Saskatoon’s Michael Linklater scooped up the challenger’s MVP honours. The tour itself gets underway on July 21st, but there's plenty more to be decided on until then.
Check out the official 3x3 World Tour website for more information on the Challengers and regular news and updates.
