Three-Man London outlasted by Partizan in Brasilia opener

Undermanned London show fight and flair but fall 19-10 to Partizan.

London 3x3 were left shorthanded in Brasília after unforeseen travel issues kept the high-flying Justin Pierce from joining the squad. Forced to play without a substitute, London showed heart, creativity, and flashes of brilliance before ultimately succumbing 19-10 to Partizan at the end of the ten-minute period.

Against the odds, London came out sharp. Evan Walshe drew an early foul after getting caught up on a Partizan screen to get the ball rolling, and Ryan Langborg knocked down a smooth mid-range jumper to put the first points on the board. Ashley Hamilton added a well-worked spin move finish inside, setting the tone for a London trio determined not to be overawed by last week’s Sansar Challenger winners.

For much of the opening exchanges, London looked the more inspired team. Hamilton dominated the highlights column with 4, punctuating the stat sheet with a couple of his trademark dunks, including one off a perfectly timed bounce pass from Walshe. Langborg chipped in with a composed fadeaway jumper from the wing, keeping London within striking distance.

Partizan’s depth eventually swung the contest. With a fresh substitute to rotate, they were able to push the tempo late, while London’s trio battled fatigue. Partizan’s Stefan Milivojevic proved the difference maker, hitting four two-pointers and capitalising on second chance opportunities as the Serbians pulled away. London, who gave up nine offensive rebounds to Partizan’s energy on the glass, simply didn’t have the legs to stay with them in the closing minutes.

Even so, London never stopped competing. Walshe drilled a buzzer-beating two to close the game, showing the team’s fight and belief right to the final possession. The 19-10 scoreline didn’t fully reflect the quality London produced in the early stages of the contest, especially considering they were without a rotation.

London now turn their focus to a do-or-die final pool game against Brazilian natives and qualifying draw victors Sao Paulo DC. A win would see them keep their tournament hopes alive. After a well-earned rest, they’re certainly up for the challenge.