Serbia’s Liman captured the FIBA 3×3 World Tour Utsunomiya Opener title after defeating Skyliners of Germany, 21-15, at the Futaarayama Jinja Shrine to win the first stop of the new season.
Led by tournament MVP Andreja Milutinovic, Liman delivered a composed performance in the final, controlling the game with efficient scoring and defensive pressure to secure the trophy.
Liman set the tone early in the Final, building an 8-3 lead with strong shot-making before extending the margin to 12-4 midway through the contest.
Despite a response from Skyliners, who played their last two games without injured Leon Fertig, Liman maintained control. Back-to-back two-pointers from Niklas Kropp briefly cut the deficit, but Liman answered through key buckets, including a decisive two-pointer from Nemanja Zigon.
Milutinovic sealed the win with a putback to close the game at 21-15, capping a dominant run throughout the tournament.
Liman advanced to the Final with a commanding Semi-Finals performance and continued the same momentum from the Quarter-Finals.
In the Quarter-Finals, they delivered one of the most decisive results of the day, defeating defending champions Miami of the USA, 20-8. Milutinovic led the way with 11 points, including consecutive two-pointers that broke the game open.
Milutinovic was named Most Valuable Player after leading Liman throughout the tournament with consistent scoring and shot-making. His performance in the knockout rounds, including his explosive Quarter-Finals display and a composed showing in the Final, underlined his importance to Liman’s title run.
Fans were also treated to standout performances in the event’s side competitions.
Hometown favorite Souleymane Coulibaly (Utsunomiya) won the Shootout Contest with 14 points, drawing strong support from the local crowd.
In the Dunk Contest, Dmitry “Smoove” Krivenko delivered a series of high-level finishes, earning perfect scores on his final three dunks to take the title.
The event marked a milestone for the host city, celebrating a decade of 3×3 basketball in Utsunomiya, as well as the 130th anniversary of the city.
With the opening stop complete, teams now turn their focus to the next events on the FIBA 3×3 World Tour 2026, as the race toward the World Tour Final continues. The next World Tour stop happens in Chengdu, China from May 2-3.
Final Standings
1. Liman SRB
2. Skyliners GER
3. Ub SRB
4. Antwerp BEL
5. Amsterdam RABOBANK NED
6. Shanghai CHN
7. Miami USA
8. Raudondvaris Hoptrans LTU
9. Toulouse FRA
10. Vienna AUT
11. Taipei WanBao TPE
12. Utsunomiya JPN
13. Shinagawa JPN
14. Hiratsuka JPN
