At the FIBA 3×3 World Tour, held in the Chinese city of Xiong’an from August 31 to September 1, 2024, the Serbian team Partizan Meta Force SRB proved to be a worthy opponent. Despite intense matches and tough competition, the “black-and-whites” demonstrated their fighting spirit and determination to win.

The tournament began for the Serbs in the qualifying Pool B, where they faced teams Chongming CHN and Sansar MGL. In the first game, the Chinese team proved stronger, but Partizan Meta Force SRB quickly recovered from the loss and defeated the Mongolian team, allowing them to advance to the quarterfinals.

On September 1, the “black-and-whites” took to the court against the formidable Mongolian team Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy MGL. From the very start, it was clear this would be a tense encounter: Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy MGL opened the scoring within the first few seconds, thanks to a free throw by the team’s legendary sharpshooter, Steve Sir.

But before the fans could even take a sip of water, the “Gladiator” of Partizan Meta Force SRB—Stefan Milivojevic — charged under the basket and leveled the score.

The game continued with a slight lead for the Mongolian team, but with two and a half minutes left, the “black-and-whites” tied the score at 14:14, quickly taking the lead at 16:14, and soon extending it to 18:16. It seemed the victory was already in the hands of the Serbs, but with a minute and a half remaining, luck turned away from Partizan Meta Force SRB. The Mongolian team managed to tie the score and, 52 seconds before the final whistle, scored the winning basket, ending the game 21:18.

Although the “black-and-whites” did not make it to the semifinals, their game left a memorable mark on the tournament’s history. The players of Partizan Meta Force SRB fought to the end, like the panthers on their jerseys, and showed that they have great potential ahead.

The winner of the tournament was the Chongming CHN team, which defeated Partizan Meta Force SRB in the qualifying stage and confidently advanced to the final.

The next tournament (Sansar Challenger 2024) promises to be just as exciting, and fans of the “black-and-whites” eagerly await new victories from Partizan Meta Force SRB.

photo: FIBA3x3