Majstorovic drains go-ahead deuce as Serbia defeats upset-seeking Poland

The "Maestro" strikes on Independence Day. FIBA

By Ivan Saldajeno

BOCAUE--Dejan Majstorovic showed why he is the "Maestro" of FIBA 3x3 play.

Majstorovic nailed the game-winning basket as Serbia clinched the first seat in the championship game of the FIBA 3x3 World Cup by beating Poland, 21-19, at the Philippine Arena on Tuesday.

Majstorovic scored an off-the-glass deuce with the shotclock winding down as the Serbians rallied to beat the Polish squad looking for another giant slaying.

Poland, behind Michael Hicks, raced through a 13-8 lead midway through the knockout match.

But Serbia showed why it is the defending champion of the tournament, slowly creeping back and eventually forced a 19-all tie.

Poland could not break the tie, although its defense forced Serbia to go for a shot with just two seconds left on the shotclock--and a little less than 1:30 left on the game clock.

Majsterovic went for one dribble and forced the long heave that hit the glass before going in.

Serbia will face the winner of the other semifinal battle between Slovenia and Netherlands in the championship match later Tuesday.

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