MIES (Switzerland) - Innovation, technology and basketball smarts were all on display as countries traded blows in the eFIBA Season 1, which was just staged.

In a showdown that wasn't short of drama, Turkey squared off against France in a best-of-three eFIBA Finals Europe and won the conference title thanks to a buzzer-beating three-pointer in the deciding third game.

France had put Turkey on the back foot, winning the first game, 64-44.

Turkey hit back with a 61-50 Game 2 win, however, before edging Les Bleus at the death in Game 3.

"It was an amazing comeback," said Turkey captain Tansu Aksoy .

"I told you, my team doesn't quit. It's unbelievable. Thank you so much for organizing this tournament. It was amazing."

The other results were more convincing.

In Southeast Asia, the Philippines swept Indonesia in their conference final, 2-0, on January 24.  They first won Game 1, 52-37, and then Game 2, 64-43.

Filipino players J-MAC and LCB, who are fan favorites, helped the country capture its third Championship. They also captured crowns in FEO I in 2020 and FEO III in 2021.

"To all the 2K players in our country – this is for you, for all the Philippines watching, for all the 2K players out there, keep grinding!" said Lynard Clark Banzon, the captain of the Philippines.

 "It's only going to go up from here." 

Morocco had a smashing eFIBA tournament debut by reigning supreme on the Mother Continent.

On January 24, Morocco survived a hotly contested eFIBA Africa Semi-Final against Egypt before rolling to 85-35 and 64-34 victories over Madagascar.

"I have no words," said Hatim Laarossi, the captain of Morocco. "We're so happy to have won this tournament. I'm so proud of the team. Unbelievable."

The winner Middle East, meanwhile, was Saudi Arabia. They claimed 2-0 victory on a default as Lebanon were unable to play due to technical issues. Saudi Arabia had showed good form leading up to the finals.

“We are the only nation to win 4 eFIBA tournaments," said Saudi Arabia captain Fuad Abdulqader Barqah. "This is a huge thing for any country. I'm feeling proud to represent Saudi Arabia and to be a part of this team."

There is always intrigue when Brazil go up against Argentina, which happened in the eFIBA South America Final.

With both countries qualified directly for the Finals, Brazil got their better of their rivals by winning, 2-0, on January 25.  Brazil grabbed the upper hand with a 65-45 Game 1 win and then completed the sweep with a 56-42 Game 2 triumph.

The winner in North America was Puerto Rico, who made quick work of Barbados, the FEO III winners in 2022.

With both sides qualifying directly for the Finals, the Boricuas cruised to a 81-48 Game 1 win and then a 80-42 Game 2 success.

FIBA