MACAU (China) – The 2025 FIBA 3x3 World Tour Macau tipped off in nerve-racking fashion at the Wynn Palace, where Bordeaux and Riffa defied expectations to climb out of the Qualifying Draw and into the Quarter-Finals. Both squads showcased grit, endurance and winning intent as they outlasted more seasoned opponents on a grueling opening day.
Bordeaux Break Through
Ranked 11th entering Macau, Bordeaux refused to play the role of underdog. The French squad battled through the Qualifying Draw, surviving tough duels against Port Dickson KL Eagles and Taipei WanBao to earn a Main Draw berth. Despite trailing in every contest, Bordeaux’s composure and shot-making carried them to three wins in four games. They split their Pool D outings, falling to Chongming but edging Baskets Bonn Telekom to punch their ticket to the Quarter-Finals.
Riffa Roll On
Just like Bordeaux, Riffa embraced the long road through the QD with grit and purpose. The Bahraini team opened the tournament with back-to-back wins over Australian squads Brisbane (21-15) and Melbourne, earning their place in the Main Draw. Once there, they stunned higher-seeded Liman, 17-13, before narrowly falling to Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy, 21-18, in a tense finish. Their strong showing earned them a well-deserved Quarter-Final spot alongside the Mongolian side, who topped Pool C.
OT Killers
Lugano swept Pool B, but they did it the hard way, surviving two overtime thrillers as they punched their own Quarter-Finals tickets. First, Malik Hluchoweckyj's OT heroics sank Miami, 18-16, before Adris De Leon hit his own OT two-pointer to brush off a stiff challenge from Brazilian squad Diadema, 19-17. Miami will joing Lugano in the QF on Day Two.
Kandava Do Enough
Kandava Turība provided one of the most memorable highlights of the day as Rihards Kuksiks drained a two-point shot that snatched victory from the jaws of defeat against Ub, 21-20. The Latvians then faced a tough Marbella side to close the day. The Spaniards toughed out a 21-17 win, but Kandava Turība still managed to advance to the Quarter-Finals and join Ub, who topped Pool A.
Hahn Leads Shootout
The Shootout Contest presented by The Voice Production Limited showcased elite marksmanship, with Miami's Mitch Hahn topping the qualifiers at 7 points. Joining him in the Final are Marbella's Isaac Mayo, Alex Vialaret of Bordeaux and Felipe Motta of Diadema.
Quarter-Finals Matchups
QF1: Ub vs. Riffa QF2: Chongming vs. Miami QF3: Lugano vs. Bordeaux QF4: Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy vs. Kandava Turība
What’s Next
After a thrilling first day in Macau, the stage is set for a stacked Day Two featuring knockout clashes, the Dunk Contest and the Shootout Final. Expect intensity, flair and fireworks as the World Tour continues its march toward another unforgettable Masters champion.
FIBA