New-look Lausanne hunt early season success at 3x3.EXE Super Premier Pro League final

HACHINOHE (Japan) - Two tickets to the FIBA 3x3 Ulaanbaatar Masters are up for grabs as teams look to start 2024 strongly at the final of Japan’s 3x3.EXE Super Premier Pro League on March 17. 

The three-leg extravaganza has travelled to Sendai, Bangkok and Gold Coast before culminating in the finale in Hachinohe. 

Let's preview the action

The Favorites

After winning the opening two stops, fan favorites Aphas.EXE have already qualified for the semis, so their chances are obviously extremely high of grabbing the coveted ticket to Ulaanbaatar. 

This entertaining Japanese team are led by one of the creative OGs on the half-court - Tomoya Ochiai, who is ready to show off his new tricks that he's been perfecting in the lab during the off-season. 

After winning Down Under on the Gold Coast, Lausanne have also won through to the semis. They have the familiar presence of Westher Molteni who you better know as 'King Wes'. 

But the Swiss Masters are ready to unleash their new recruit Karlis Lasmanis aka 'Batman' who is ready to prove he is still a superhero even in different colors. 

Lausanne have also loaded up with Malik Hluchoweckyj set to show off his insane moves as he looks to create a one-two punch with new partner-in-crime Lasmanis. 

Toronto Patriots are also a title threat, but will have to make a run from the quarters. To do that they'll need Bikramjit Gill aka 'The Bearded King' to be a force at the rim. 

The Field 

Hachinohe Dime.EXE could upstage the favorites after a runner-up finish on the Gold Coast clinched them a quarterfinal berth. They'll need Chihiro Sawagashira to be a bucket getter if they are to go on a giant-killing run. 

While Aussies As Cenrals.EXE will look to continue their strong form after finishing third on the Gold Coast and countrymen Sentinels Blue.EXE also could be in the mix if they get hot. 

Pools

Pool A: Syd Supersonics.EXE (JPN), As Centrals.EXE (AUS)
Pool B: Scc Wildcats.EXE (JPN), Zethree Ishikawa.EXE (JPN)
Pool C: Minakami Town.EXE (JPN), Zethree Ishikawa.EXE (JPN)
Pool D: Sentinels Blue.EXE (AUS), Simon.EXE (JPN)

What's at stake

The top 2 teams will qualify for the Ulaanbaatar Masters on June 8-9 as part of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour.

How to watch

The final is held on March 17 and you can follow it live on the FIBA3x3 youtube page. 

FIBA