3x3 Quebec Challenger 2022 - Knockout Stage Recap

Eight teams were left to battle it out in the Old Port for the Quebec Challenger title - and the places on offer for the Cebu Masters. While there was no more home interest, with all Canadian teams eliminated the day before, but there was still a lot of world class talent ready to take to the court ready to entertain the crowds as they gave their all in pursuit of victory in Canada.

The day began with the four quarter final ties, the winners all taking a step closer to the final. With high-energy play in the paint, Marijampolė had the early lead over Omaha, ahead by three before the Nebraskans caught fire from two-point territory and led by three themselves. A three-point play from Malik Hluchoweckyj in the final seconds sealed the deal for Omaha, they moved on at the expense of the Lithuanians.

With five points in a row from Mateusz Bierwagen, Warsaw led Versailles 8-2 after three minutes. The French team taking their time to reduce the gap, but sharing the ball amongst the team in the final stretch Warsaw increase their advantage and eventually won their quarter-final by five.

Finding scoring chances all over the floor, Chicago lead by five by the mid-point of their match-up with fellow Americans, Princeton. A late 10-1 run completely turned the game around in Princeton's favour and they were the winners 20-15 - with eleven of Chicago's fifteen points came from Craig Moore.

In the last quarter final Nauris Miezis led Riga in an early charge while Isaiah Brown kept the gap close for Washington DC, but he or none of his team mates could push them into the lead. With Miezes putting up the eight of the last ten points in this game, Riga were victorious by five and advanced to the semi finals.

The tournament moved on to the semi finals. To begin with three early lead changes between Omaha and Warsaw, after which the Polish team held the advantage before Dylan Travis turned it back in Omaha's favour. Twice Omaha tried to put together a scoring run to get them over the line and both times Warsaw closed the gap to one. Seconds from time Mitch Hahn brought the game to a close with Omaha securing their place in the final.

In the other semi final Riga surged into a big lead following an early unbroken run of seven points

Isaiah Wilkerson tried to prevent their lead getting any higher, leading to Princeton scoring eight without reply. Riga halted this streak and sank the dagger in the final moments, moving on to the last game in Quebec.

This meant the final would see Omaha and Riga face off for the second time in Quebec, this time with a lot more at stake. It began with two from beyond the arc by Hahn and a further two which saw Omaha lead 9-2. Riga responded with six points in under a minute, closing the gap to one. Omaha tried to stay in front but after five in a row from Edgars Krumins with two more from Miezis and Agnis Cavars, Riga were leading by five.

Malik Hluchoweckyj and Dylan Travis responded with six unanswered points between them, with a final free throw from Travis in the closing seconds sealing the game and tournament win for the team from Nebraska - the Quebec Challenger was Omaha's.

Riga's Nauris Miezis and Omaha's Dylan Travis were the highest scorers in the tournament, with Old Montreal's Cole Syllas finishing as the tournament's top rebounder, averaging 10.0 total boards in Quebec. For more on this tournament, follow this link to head over to the official FIBA 3x3 website.