LAUSANNE (Switzerland) - Barcelona (ESP) go from Qualifying Draw to the Quarter-final with a perfect record on Day 1 of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour Edmonton on August 15.
TEAMS
BARCELONA (ESP)
It was a tough road for Barcelona who fought their way out of qualifying draw action to start the day, but the Spanish side came through in pool play and then some.
They were pitted in a tough group, facing contenders in Raudondvaris and Liman. They took on the Serbian side first, which ended up being a gritty battle with neither allowing the other to find their rhythm. However, it was Barcelona who came out on top as 13 - 10 victors.
They took on Raudondvaris next in what was a back-and-forth classic. Marijus Uzupis was on fire for the Lithuanian side, but the resourceful Barcelona kept finding an answer. Juame Zanca put up 9 points in a game that went down to the wire.
It was the 3x3 World Cup MVP Guim Expósito who had the final say, a big-time two pointer with seconds to go to lead Barcelona to the win. They finished 4-0 on the day to book their spot into the Quarter-final.
Other teams to go perfect on the day were Ub (SRB), Amsterdam (NED) and Miami (USA).
PLAYERS
CARLOS MARTINEZ (Lausanne)
Lausanne came through and delivered magic in front of the home crowd tonight, and their efforts were led by one Carlos Martinez.
They suffered a loss to Ub in their opener despite the Spaniard’s best efforts, putting up a team-high 9 points.
They faced Hangzhou in the closing battle of the day, where Martinez was key yet again. This time, it was a win, 17 - 15 in favor of the Swiss side as they advanced through to the knockout rounds action tomorrow. With Martinez on top form, Lausanne will look to make some waves on home turf.
QUARTER-FINAL
Ub (SRB) - Valencia (ESP)
Barcelona (ESP) - Lugano (SUI)
Amsterdam RABOBANK (NED) - Liman (SRB)
Miami (USA) - Lausanne (SUI)
DAY 2
High-stakes 3x3 action incoming tomorrow as we crown our Lausanne masters stop winners. Tune in LIVE to catch the knockout rounds of the 3x3 World Tour Lausanne stop.