Lausanne make statement after winning Japan’s 3x3.EXE Super Premier Pro League

HACHINOHE (Japan) - With superstar Karlis Lasmanis leading the way, new-look Lausanne made a serious statement after winning Japan’s 3x3.EXE Super Premier Pro League on March 17. 

Here's what happened. 

The winner: Lausanne (SUI)

Lausanne mean business in 2024. The Swiss made a splash at the backend of last year, but they've done some serious recruiting after adding superstars Lasmanis and Malik Hluchoweckyj.

After winning Down Under on the Gold Coast, Lausanne continued their winning ways but it wasn't easy. Having qualified for the semis, the Swiss Maestros were pushed by Hachinohe Dime.EXE (JPN) but their experience on the big stage edged them to an 18-15 win. 

It was much the same in the final against Alphas.EXE (JPN), who had won the opening two stops. But Lausanne defied the home crowd to pull away and win the title in an ominous sign for opponents. 

The new stars blended well for Lausanne who played without a sub, but they were boosted by the familiar presence of Westher Molteni, better known as 'King Wes'. He might just be celebrating title success soon on the World Tour for the very first time with Lausanne qualifying for the Ulaanbaatar Masters. 

They also collected a cool cheque of $100,000 for their efforts in Japan. 

The runner-up: Alphas.EXE (JPN)

Even though they came up short against star-studded Lausanne, Alphas. EXE should be pleased with their early season form. They eyed a third title after beating Toronto Patriots in a semi-final blockbuster. 

While Lausanne proved too hard to stop, this Japanese team will do damage this year and they will get a crack in Ulaanbaatar after winning a coveted ticket there. 

OG Tomoya Ochiai was up to his usual tricks on the half-court, while Ryo Ozawa was a flat out samurai with the Wilson in his hands. 

The Final: Lausanne 21-Alphas EXE 15

There was much excitement in the air after these two teams had dominated the three-leg tournament before the showpiece final. 

Karlis Lasmanis landed Flight KLM on the half-court as he made an early statement by driving to the bucket for the layup. Malik Hluchoweckyj also raced to the rim, but the Swiss couldn't shake the Japanese with Devin Gilligan firing from downtown to give Alphas a 10-8 lead.

But Lasmanis took over and hit a long bomb to edge Lausanne clear before showing why he's Batman as he put on the cape and sealed the title for the Swiss with a two-piece from well beyond the arc. 

The reward: Two tickets to the Ulaanbaatar Masters

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

Final Standings:
1. Lausanne (SUI)
2. Alphas.EXE (JPN)
3. Toronto Patriots (JPN)
4. Hachinohe Dime.EXE (JPN)
5. Alice Springs Central.EXE (AUS)

FIBA