LTU Basketball take out Pro League 3x3 Hoops Factory

TOULOUSE (France) - LTU Basketball (LTU) produced a powerful performance to win the final of the Pro League 3x3 Hoops Factory on March 31.

Here's what happened.

The winner: LTU Basketball (LTU)

Different name, same result. The artists formerly known as Raudondvaris Hoptrans are still lethal Lithuanians as they proved in Toulouse during their unbeaten run. 

The field was tough, but LTU Basketball played almost flawlessly to light up the half-court.

They made an opening statement against Worthy de Jong's Amsterdam Sloen (NED) before taking down in-form Lausanne (SUI) and Kandava (LAT), who boasted Olympic gold medallists Karlis Lasmanis and Nauris Miezis. 

LTU Basketball continued their dominance over Amsterdam in a thrilling semi-final before edging past fellow power Antwerp TOPdesk (BEL) in the decider. 

The dynamic one-two punch of Aurelijus Pukelis and Marijus Uzupis were unstoppable in an ominous warning to opponents ahead of the World Tour. 

 The runner-up: Antwerp TOPdesk (BEL)

The brilliant Belgians again look like a serious contender and should be a force in 2024. With Thibaut Vervoort back and once again 'Must See TV', Antwerp again showed their calmness under pressure to silence loud French fans and beat both teams from Paris (FRA) in the pool play. 

Sandwiched between those Ws was an impressive victory over San Juan (PUR) as they reached the final by toppling Kandava. 

They could not stop the hot shooting from the Lithuanians, but Antwerp should be pleased after Vervoort and Jonas Foerts were walking buckets, while Dennis Donkor was as per usual brilliant on offense and defense. 

 The Final: LTU Basketball 21-Antwerp TOPdesk 15

There was much hype over two of the best in the business. The Lithuanians came out blazing and were hunting for twos. But Antwerp passed slickly and Thibaut Vervoort finished prettily in an entertaining start. 

But LTU Basketball were also looking for the open man and that led to trouble for Antwerp with Aurelijus Pukelis making the wide open two. The Lithuanians were able to pierce the defense as they opened up a handy lead. 

Vervoort needed to flick the switch and he did exactly that to keep Antwerp afloat, but Pukelis was proving unguardable and he had the answers. He had a huge offensive rebound and put back to effectively ice the game and clinch LTU Basketball's title. 

The reward: Two tickets to the Marseille Masters

LTU Basketball and Antwerp TOPdesk qualified for the Marseille Masters on May 31-June 1 as part of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour.

Final Standings:
1. LTU Basketball (LTU)
2. Antwerp TOPdesk (BEL)
3. Kandava Turiba (LAT)
4. Amsterdam Sloten (NED)
5 Paris (FRA)

FIBA