The Taipei Challenger 2024, which had clear favorites from the start, was filled with surprises. The games were intense, with lesser-known teams putting up a strong fight against the seasoned favorites. For example, tournament hosts Taipei WanBao battled fiercely against the Serbian team Partizan Meta Force, losing with a very respectable score, while American team Princeton unexpectedly suffered a loss to Mongolia’s Bayankhongor, who went all in by passing up a one-point shot in favor of attempting a game-winning two-pointer.
On the first day of the Taipei Challenger 2024, Princeton faced serious challenges against Bayankhongor. The Americans led the game steadily, but their opponents kept pace. With the score at 20:19 in Princeton’s favor, victory seemed close. However, Bayankhongor players took a risk: instead of using an opportunity to even the score, they went for a long shot. The team’s player passed under the rim and, choosing not to score, moved to the corner to take a two-point attempt. The shot was successful, and Bayankhongor claimed the win.
For the Challenger favorites, Partizan Meta Force, the initial match was an easy victory over young team Wuri (21:06), but the following match against the hosts turned into a tough battle. The offensive strength of Taipei WanBao was anchored by two Serbian players. Dorde Simeunovic’s power gave the team an edge near the rim, but he also managed to score from a distance, intercept, and block shots from Partizan Meta Force players. His active play allowed the team to take a four-point lead midway through the game.
Partizan urgently needed a way to contain the rival team’s leader. Gladiator kicked off with two deep shots, and in tough moments, he passed effectively to Milos Supica, who scored a much-needed long shot in the final minutes. With 2:45 left, a score of 18:18 promised a nerve-wracking finish. An excellent step-back from Hsin-wei Wang and a precise three-pointer brought Taipei close to victory. Partizan couldn’t respond from a distance but managed to tie the game at 20:20. Dorde Simeunovic, who had shone throughout the game (scoring 13 points in total), lost steam near the end, missing his final attempt. Stefan Milivojevic, in return, set up a perfect position for Stefan Torbica, who secured Partizan’s second win in the tournament.
As a result, Partizan Meta Force advanced to the quarterfinals of the Taipei Challenger 2024.
Foto: FIBA 3×3
