MACAU - The FIBA 3x3 World Tour 2025 was turned on its head after Lugano (SUI) produced a barnstorming run to create history in Macau.
Let's look back at the 14th stop on October 18-19. Lugano stun the world
There is a new WT champ after Lugano stunned the field to emerge triumphant. The eighth seed made history as the first team from Switzerland to win a WT title. It was a particularly sweet dub for Westher Molteni, the long-time talisman for Lausanne (SUI) - the fan favorite Swiss side who could never quite get over the hump.
This new team - although boasting some well known 3x3 stars - had shown glimpses in previous events that they could be a serious threat. It was just a question over whether Lugano could find consistency but they loomed at least as a dark horse.
Lugano made a statement immediately after beating powerhouse Miami (USA) in OT before their magical knockout run included tense wins over Bordeaux, Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy (MGL) and once again Miami.
While Lugano boast established 3x3 stars, they've also been unveiling new ones with Adris De Leon quickly taking a liking to the half-court. He was unstoppable in Macau to walk off with the MVP and help prove that underdogs can really go on giant-killing WT runs.
There is a new team to be reckoned with after Lugano became just the eighth winner of WT 2025.
Caruso is bringing the heat to Miami
Miami fell agonizingly short of winning a third WT 2025 title, but the Americans cemented their reputation as among the very best in the business as they sit comfortably in third position on the WT ladder.
It was also another reminder that superstar Henry Caruso is very much entering his prime on the half-court, that beautiful period for a player where body and mind are meshing so perfectly.
Caruso has the ability to completely overwhelm defenders with his sheer physical gifts and he also seems to always make the right plays. He was at his electric best in Macau, finishing No.1 player-value (49.1) and scoring (34).
If he wasn't making an outrageous highlight, Caruso was crashing the boards to show off his all-round prowess. Caruso stepped up big time in the final, leaving everything on the half-court to finish with a game-high level 11 points and his monster performance also included 6 rebounds and 6 highlights.
That was on the back of Caruso outplaying GOAT Strahinja Stojacic in Miami's satisfying semi-final victory over Ub to underline what we already know - not only is Caruso Captain America, he's also challenging to be the game's No.1 player.
Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy find form
While the pro circuit has witnessed the exciting arrival of a slew of new teams, fan favorite Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy (MGL) has somewhat plateaued in 2025. The Mongolians haven't been able to make a final on the pro circuit, while in their previous five WT events they only reached the semis once - at their home event.
It has been perhaps easy to overlook them but those that did had eggs on their faces after Ulaanbaatar bounced back to form with a semi-final run in Macau. Things started poorly after a loss to Liman (SRB) left Ulaanbaatar facing an early exit for the second straight WT event.
They faced a must-win game against in-form Riffa (BRN) and inspirational Delgernyam Davaasambuu lifted them over the line with 9 points. Ulaanbaatar then delivered an impressive victory over dangerous Kandava Turiba (LAT), issuing a reminder of their capabilities when everything is in flow.
They were on the brink of a first final's appearance in 2025 only to be put to a halt by rampaging Lugano. But this is a platform to build off for Ulaanbaatar, who should be extra pleased with bucket getter Anand Ariunbold getting back to his best. Watch out if he can nail that two-ball more consistently!
Have Ub peaked too early?
Ub's run for the ages, where they reeled off 6 WT titles from 7 events is now a distant memory after falling in the semis for the second straight event. They could only split half their games, having also lost on Day One to Kandava Turiba (LAT).
They were outplayed by Miami in the semis as Ub have lost their unbeaten sheen. Though there is no reason to panic with Ub in Macau without Marko Brankovic while veteran Dejan Majstorovic remains on the sidelines.
Legendary Stefan Stojacic, however, proved that he had not lost his old magic and he might be an important player for Ub if called on again.
Macau was lit
For the third straight year, the WT returned to glamorous Macau and this event was bigger and better than ever before. The venue just outside the world famous Wynn Palace was the hottest ticket in town to cement this tourist magnet destination firmly on the WT schedule.
FIBA