JAKARTA (Challenger) - Lugano (SUI) overcame a slow start to catch fire and claim the title at the FIBA 3x3 Jakarta Challenger on July 26-27. Here is what happened in the ninth Challenger of the season. The winner: Lugano (SUI) They were: No.1 points scored
It's been a momentous period for Swiss 3x3 after Switzerland claimed a historic silver medal at the World Cup and the momentum continued with Lugano (SUI) running hot in Jakarta.
Swiss legend Westher Molteni was the anchor, while magician Malik Hluchoweckyj tapped into his deep bag but MVP Michael Efevberha stole the show in his debut by splashing bucket after bucket.
A title run looked unlikely after Lugano fell to power Miami (USA) before they regrouped and showcased plenty of resolve to edge dangerous Chongming (CHN) and Utrecht (NED) in the knockouts.
With their confidence sky high, Lugano could not be stopped in the final against Hangzhou (CHN) to make a statement on the pro circuit.
The runner-up: Hangzhou (CHN)
They were: No.3 fewest points allowed
Impressively backing up after a runner-up finish at WT Hong Kong, Hangzhou (CHN) again stormed to the final with dynamic Aleksandar Lazic putting on a show with crazy athletic moves to inspire his side.
Hangzhou (CHN) have been one of the very best teams in 2025 and this was evident in the knockouts after a one-two punch smacked powers Riffa (BRN) and Miami in the mouth.
Hangzhou's three-headed monster of Lazic, Goran Vidovic and Filip Kaluderovic shared the scoring load while their defense was stingy to ensure they once again seriously contended for the title.
The Final: Lugano 21-Hangzhou 14
On paper perhaps this was a surprising match-up between the fourth and eighth seeds. No.4 Hangzhou deserved the favoritism as they eyed a second title this season and they started fast with Lazic causing trouble in the paint with his nifty moves inside.
As he had all tournament, Efevberha got Lugano going to continue his fairytale of a debut. The teams traded buckets before Lugano took control with a lights out performance as they went on an electric 7-0 run.
Lugano's defense did a great job of patrolling the paint forcing Lazic to fire from deep, but he was ice cold. Hluchoweckyj was unstoppable with the Wilson in his hands and fittingly finished the job with a two-piece as Lugano celebrated with gusto.
The reward: Three tickets to WT Lausanne Lugano, Hangzhou and Miami qualified for WT Lausanne on August 15-16. Final Standings: 1. Lugano (SUI) 2. Hangzhou (CHN) 3. Miami (USA) 4. Utrecht (NED) 5. Chongming (CHN) Top Scorers: 1. Michael Efevberha (Lugano, SUI) 39 pts 2. Malik Hluchoweckyj (Lugano, SUI) 30 pts 3. James Parrott (Miami, USA) 27 pts 4. Aleksandar Lazic (Hangzhou, CHN) 26 pts 5. Goran Vidovic (Hangzhou, CHN) 23 pts Key Stats: - Miami superstar James Parrott had a triple-five of 12 points, 6 rebounds and 5 highlights in their pool win against Lugano. - Petar Ivanovic had a triple-five of 9 points, 5 rebounds and 6 highlights, but Taipei WanBao (TPE) lost to Marijampole MANTINGA (LTU) in pool play. - Lugano's 21-7 pool whipping of Jakarta MANDIRI (INA) went for 6'51" in playing time to be the shortest game in the tournament.
FIBA