LAUSANNE (Switzerland) - Hangzhou (CHN) silenced the Swiss fans to make an early season statement after emerging victorious at the FIBA 3x3 Lausanne Mega Quest 2025 on April 12.
Here's what happened.
The winner: Hangzhou (CHN)
As expected for an early season event, this was a loaded draw with powers Ub (SRB), Riffa (BRN) and host Lausanne (SUI) headlining the action.
But it was Hangzhou who upstaged them all during an unbeaten campaign where they twice beat Lausanne, including in a one-sided final, and also enjoyed a thrilling victory against top seeds Ub.
We've seen Hangzhou surprise on the World Tour before, but they are out in 2025 to be a more consistent force. With considerable firepower, including slingshots Aleksandar Lazic and Goran Vidovic, this was a confidence boosting triumph and a major warning to rivals.
The runner-up: Lausanne (SUI)
The Swiss Maestros always ball out in front of their enthusiastic fans. They've long reserved some of their best performances for their half-court and this was no exception as Lausanne had an impressive W against Riffa in the quarters before beating compatriots Lugano (SUI) in a semi-final thriller.
They fell short to Hangzhou, who had their number in this event, as Lausanne had to endure the familiar fate of finishing runner-up. Going all the way is the last piece of the puzzle for this insanely talented team, who have beefed up with the recruitment of Polish star Przemyslaw Zamojski.
The Final: Hangzhou 21-Lausanne 7
Host Lausanne entered as the favorite, but were wary after a pool loss to Hangzhou. The locals were left stunned by a red-hot Hangzhou, who were firing on all cylinders to blow the Swiss out of the water and leave the fans heading to the exits stunned.
Hangzhou's defense was just as impressive to limit a cold-shooting Lausanne to single digits as the Chinese team demonstrated their two-way credentials with a brilliant triumph to start 2025 in style.
The reward: Two tickets to the Amsterdam Masters Hangzhou and Lausanne qualified for the World Tour Amsterdam on May 17-18 as part of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour. Final Standings: 1. Hangzhou (CHN) 2. Lausanne (SUI) 3. Ub (SRB) 4. Lugano (SUI) 5. Riffa (BRN)
FIBA