Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF) President Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, (second left) presenting the winner's trophy to team Novi Sad Al Wahda of UAE during the FIBA 3x3 All Stars Basketball Tournament 2016 at Doha yesterday. Pics by: Kammutty
Novi Sad Al Wahda of the UAE produced a top-class performance to beat Slovakian giants Ljubljana 21-12 to lift the FIBA 3x3 All Stars title in Doha.
Having arrived in the Qatari capital as the team to beat, Novi Sad Al Wahda - with world number one Dusan Domovic Bulut on their playing roster - remained unbeaten in their three games to complete a hat-trick of titles in Doha.
"Today we were not tired. We came out fresh," Dusan said after the thrilling final against their arch-rivals from Slovenia.
"When we come out fresh, it is hard to beat us," he added with a smile after picking up the top prize of $20,000.
Ljubljana won $14,000 for reaching the final.
"No team is at our level when we are fresh," the 31-year-old Serbian said after completing his hat-trick of wins in Doha. Dusan said the rivalry between the two teams is healthy for a sport that is battling to be on the Olympic charter.
"This is a great rivalry. We beat them they beat us. We've had some great battles. But last two years we have been a better team," Dusan said.
It was sweet revenge for Novi Sad Al Wahdo who missed out on completing a hat-trick of FIBA 3x3 World Tour titles just three weeks ago.
In what was an impressive performance, the UAE side won all of their three knock-out games with an average 10-point advantage at the outdoor venue of the Al Gharafa Sports Complex, the home of Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF).
The trophy presentation ceremony was attended by from FIBA Vice-President Hamane Niang and Qatar Basketball Federation President Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahaman Al Thani.
Dusan - a hugely popular figure on the 3x3 circuit - also won MVP honours. Dusan produced the game-winning point in the final.
The affable Serbian finished second overall in points along with team-mate Dejan Majstorovic.
In the Shootout Contest, Majstorovic showed by Novi Sad Al Wahda dominate the sport when he scored 14 points. His tally was one shy of the all-time record.
The event was hosted by QBF for the fourth time in a row.
On Thursday, QBF officials confirmed that the fourth edition winds up Qatar's deal to host the event. It was said that from next year, Qatar will stage one leg of the massively popular FIBA 3x3 World Tour event instead.
