Edmonton Suffer Early Exit at Debrecen Masters
After a great track record so far on the 3x3 world circuit, including winning promotion to the Debrecen Masters in Bucharest weeks earlier, hopes were high for Edmonton to do well on the latest stop on the world tour - but they would unfortunately not be met.
Located in eastern Hungary, the city has become the country's number one destination for 3x3 basketball, and touching down in Debrecen this year were some of the world's top teams as well as a number of teams whose stock is starting to rise.
Edmonton first faced defending World Tour champions Novi Sad, who opened with five unanswered points - a margin they led for much of the way in this game. Steve Sir and Jordan Jensen-Whyte gave their all to try and but every time when Edmonton closed the gap, Dusan Bulut and Dejan Majstorovic hit back. With a near-perfect one-point showing, Novi Sad crossed the line first, winning 21 points to 16.
Novi Sad followed up their first win with another over Gagarin, who would be Edmonton’s last pool stage opponents. This was now the only opportunity for both teams to keep themselves alive in Debrecen.
In the game itself, Gagarin took an early four-point lead Edmonton struggling to overcome the Russian team’s tough and physical defence. Kyle Landry helped Edmonton catch fire and five unanswered points from them closed the gap to one point with 2:30 to go.
Gagarin responded instantly, but the gap still stood only at two points. Both teams tried to add more to their scoreline and add to their hopes and chances, but another basket proved elusive for either side. Gagarin weren't too fussed as they were able to hold on to their advantage, and seeing out the win 15-13, they advance to day two while calling time on Edmonton's campaign.
While it was a disappointing early exit from the tournament, Edmonton were also spared a gruelling second day of play.
The next day Novi Sad were defeated in the quarter finals 20-17 by Liman, who went on to win over NY Harlem to move on to the final. Similarly, Gagarin were dispatched by rising 3x3 force Jeddah, who found themselves in another heated encounter in the semi finals.
Riga, undefeated winners of Pool B who went on to beat Nantes 21-19 at the start of the knockout round, carried on their winning ways against Jeddah, securing their final place with a decisive 21-12 win over the Saudi side.
With an outstanding performance in the final from Maksim Kovacevic with 12 points, Liman capped off their impressive run in Debrecen with a final 21-18 victory over Riga to take the title.
Edmonton will have a chance to redeem themselves next weekend at the next stop on the world tour - and one far closer to home. The Montreal Masters will see them and Toronto go in search of success in front of the Canadian home crowds.
The Montreal tournament will take place on September 7th and 8th. For more information on the tour, check out the official website.
Picture: FIBA.com
