Novi Sad eliminates Manila North in FIBA 3x3 quarters

FIBA (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

ABU DHABI—Novi Sad repeated its dominance over Manila North in the quarterfinals of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour Final with a 21-13 win on Saturday (Philippine Time).

In the rematch of the championship game of the Manila Masters on Aug. 2, Novi Sad survived a more physical affair with Manila North in the first round of the knockout stages in front of a surprisingly hostile home country crowd with many Filipinos even coming from the nearby emirate of Dubai to support the visitors led by Gilas stalwarts Calvin Abueva and Troy Rosario.

Manila North showed resilience early on, forcing a 9-all deadlock.

But Novi Sad, which had to buck off injuries, took advantage of its opponent's penalty situation and sank timely free throws that helped the team pull away for good.

Novi Sad will battle Trbovlje, a 22-10 winner over Denver in another quarterfinal tie, in the semifinals.

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