MACAU (China) – Miami (USA) and Ub (SRB) made winning starts to the FIBA 3x3 World Tour Macau 2026, sweeping their respective pools to advance to the Quarter-Finals as a dramatic opening day delivered clutch shots, major upsets and a remarkable qualifying run for Taipei WanBao (TPE).
Miami handled DeQing (CHN) 22-14 before defeating Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy (MGL) 21-16 to finish unbeaten in Pool C. Ub also went 2-0, taking down hosts Cotai WOLFUNITED (MAC) 21-14 before rallying past Vienna (AUT) 21-19 in Pool A.
Shanghai (CHN) were the only other team to sweep their pool, while DeQing and Cotai thrilled fans with late-game heroics to book their places in the last eight. The Quarter-Finals are now set for Sunday, October 18, at the iconic Ruins of Saint Paul's.
Miami roll
Miami opened their campaign with a convincing victory over DeQing, with Henry Caruso leading the way with eight points. They followed that up with a win over Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy, as Jimmer Fredette poured in eight points to help the Americans secure top spot in Pool C. The two victories send Miami into the Quarter-Finals with momentum as they chase another World Tour title. They will face home favorites Cotai WOLFUNITED in one of Sunday's knockout matchups.
Ub rally
Top seeds Ub also advanced unbeaten, although they had to work harder for their second victory. The Serbians began with a solid win over Cotai, with Marko Brankovic leading the way with eight points. Their second game against Vienna proved a much tighter affair, as Ub rallied to claim a two-point victory.
Strahinja Stojacic scored eight points, combining with Brankovic for 16 of Ub's 21 points as the Serbian powerhouse held off Vienna's challenge. The win secured Ub's place in the Quarter-Finals, where they will meet DeQing.
Shanghai sweep
Shanghai delivered one of the day's strongest performances, beating Amsterdam RABOBANK (NED) 21-18 before completing their Pool B sweep with a 21-16 win over Hong Kong (HKG).
Cameron Forte was outstanding against Amsterdam, recording 14 points and 12 rebounds for a rare double-double, while also producing eight highlights. Shanghai's second victory confirmed them as Pool B winners, with Amsterdam joining them in the Quarter-Finals after edging Hong Kong 19-17 earlier in the day. Maarten Bouwknecht led Amsterdam with five points in that contest.
Taipei WanBao's impressive run
Taipei WanBao produced one of the day's most impressive stories, battling through the Qualifying Draw before advancing to the Quarter-Finals.
They first defeated Doha (QAT) 19-13 and then edged Bordeaux (FRA) 20-18 in overtime to secure their Main Draw place. Wang Hsin-Wei delivered the decisive two-pointer in the extra period, sending Taipei through after a tense finish.
The momentum continued in Pool D. Taipei edged Baskets Bonn (GER) 11-10 before falling to Skyliners (GER) 18-21. Petar Ivanovic scored 13 points against Skyliners, with Ivanovic and Nikola Kovacevic combining for six two-pointers as Taipei claimed a crucial victory.
A three-way tie left Taipei, Skyliners and Baskets Bonn level on pool wins, but Taipei and Skyliners advanced on total points scored. Baskets Bonn, despite entering Macau among the top seeds, were eliminated. Taipei will now face Shanghai in the Quarter-Finals, while Skyliners take on Amsterdam RABOBANK.
Late-game drama
DeQing and Cotai WOLFUNITED both found their way into the knockout rounds with dramatic finishes. DeQing advanced from the Qualifying Draw with a 21-15 win over Warsaw (POL), led by Zhang Dianliang's nine points. After losing to Miami in Pool C, DeQing stayed alive with a narrow 21-20 victory over Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy.
The finish was a thriller. Anand Ariunbold gave Ulaanbaatar a 20-19 lead in the final minute, but Guim Expósito answered with the game-winner to send DeQing into the Quarter-Finals.
Cotai also came through in the clutch. After losing to Ub, the home team faced Vienna needing a result and delivered a nail-biting victory, led by 12 points from Stanislav Sharov.
Shootout Contest
The Shootout Contest presented by Starmac also produced its four finalists on Day 1. Toni Blazan (VIE) led the qualifiers with eight points. He is joined by Maarten Bouwknecht (AMS), Lennart Schultz (BB) and Adam Waczynski (WAR) for Sunday's Shootout Contest Final.
Quarter-Finals set for Sunday
QF1: Ub (SRB) vs. DeQing (CHN) QF2: Skyliners (GER) vs. Amsterdam RABOBANK (NED) QF3: Shanghai (CHN) vs. Taipei WanBao (TPE) QF4: Miami (USA) vs. Cotai WOLFUNITED (MAC)
The knockout games, Shootout Contest Final, Dunk Contest and championship-deciding action take place on Sunday, as the remaining teams battle for the FIBA 3x3 World Tour Macau 2026 title.
Stay Connected
Follow all the latest action from the FIBA 3x3 World Tour throughout the 2026 season by visiting the official World Tour website, where you can find the latest news, team standings, player statistics and everything you need to follow the Race to the Final. Fans can also keep track of the Event Calendar and the latest FIBA 3x3 Individual and Federation Rankings as teams and players continue their push toward the season finale.
Want to learn more about 3x3 basketball? Explore the official FIBA 3x3 Rules to understand the unique fast-paced format of the game, or discover the FIBA 3x3 Competition Structure to see how the discipline’s global pathway connects grassroots events, professional tours and world-class international competitions.
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