"VAN" (Sports Desk - 02.06.2024) :: Raudondvaris Hoptrans (LTU) spoil the party in France, defeating Paris (FRA) 19-14 to win the FIBA 3x3 World Tour Marseille 2024 on June 1.
It was a tough start for the Lithuanians in Pool phase, but a savvy win over St. Pauli was enough to book a Quarter-final spot.
They picked up a statement win in the knockout stage, defeating Ub in a close-fought affair. They grinded out a victory against an on-fire Vienna in the semi-final as they set their place in a final tie against home side Paris.
Raudondvaris started off hot, setting the pace off the back of timely buckets from Evaldas Džiaugys and Šarūnas Vingelis. While Paris answered back through a collective effort, the Lithuanian side continued piling on the early pressure as they took an 8-4 lead.
Vingelis was pivotal for his side on both ends of the court as his efforts kept Raudondvaris a comfortable lead ahead.
Paris weren’t done however, Franck Seguela was huge on defense while Jules Rambaut scored much-needed twos. The Lithuanians though, were just not to be denied. Marking their presence in the paint through Modestas Kumpys and Aurelijus Pukelis.
Their onslaught on offense proved to be clinical as they came away the victors, 19-14.
Modestas Kumpys offered immense versatility for his side, playing a pivotal role on defense while causing constant problems for the opposition with his incisive drives. He finished the tournament with 20 points and a player value of 28.6, taking home MVP honors.
In the Individual contests, Canyon Barry (Miami) won the shoot-out contest while Yohan Lemay won the Maurice Lacroix dunk contest.
The next 3x3 World Tour is in Ulaanbaatar on June 8-9.
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