【RECAP】3×3.EXE PREMIER JAPAN 2025 ROUND.8 – OKAYAMA

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Round 8 Day 3 – Okayama

SHINAGAWA CITY.EXE Seal Top Seed Ahead of Osaka Playoffs

The regular season of 3×3.EXE Premier Japan reached its climax in Okayama, where 12 teams battled across four pools in Group 3 action. With the Osaka Playoffs just weeks away, every possession carried extra weight, from sides on the playoff bubble chasing vital EXE Points to heavyweights jostling for top seeding. The stakes ensured a day of fierce competition, storybook comebacks, and season-defining performances.

The home crowd rallied behind TRYHOOP OKAYAMA.EXE, while giants such as SHINAGAWA CITY.EXE and ZETHREE ISHIKAWA.EXE entered determined to underline their dominance. Each pool produced drama, but the day built inevitably toward a heavyweight final between the league’s two most consistent sides. By the end of a thrilling finale, SHINAGAWA CITY.EXE stood tall, securing the number one seed for the playoffs and sending a clear message to every challenger bound for Osaka.

POOL A

• SHINAGAWA CITY.EXE (1) – 650 EXE POINTS | 90% Winning% | 20.5 PPG
• YAIZU CITY UNITED.EXE (27) – 330 EXE POINTS | 21% Winning% | 11.4 PPG
• SPINNERS.EXE (30) – 325 EXE POINTS | 14% Winning% | 13.1 PPG

POOL A MOMENT THAT MATTERED

Ozawa, Ochiai, and Demsar spark a decisive 15–2 run as Shinagawa underline their title credentials.

Round 8 opened with fireworks as SHINAGAWA CITY.EXE faced YAIZU CITY UNITED.EXE in a clash that carried major implications for the league’s top seed. Both teams came out firing, trading baskets in a high-octane first stretch that had the crowd on edge. After two and a half minutes, the scoreline sat at 6–5 in favour of SHINAGAWA CITY.EXE, with both sides hitting tough shots to set the tone.

The early momentum from YAIZU CITY UNITED.EXE began to fade, however, as SHINAGAWA CITY.EXE’s veteran core settled into their rhythm. With Ryo Ozawa, Tomoya Ochiai, and Jan Demsar all finding their spots, SHINAGAWA CITY.EXE pieced together a commanding 15–2 run that left no doubt about their intent in the final round of the regular season.

YAIZU CITY UNITED.EXE fought to claw back but couldn’t match the depth and composure of their opponents. Every answer they produced was met immediately with another SHINAGAWA CITY.EXE score, keeping the gap insurmountable. The display of execution and poise was a reminder of why SHINAGAWA CITY.EXE have been at the top end of the standings all season.

By the closing stages, SHINAGAWA CITY.EXE were firmly in control, sending a strong message to the rest of the field that they were prepared to carry their dominance into the Osaka playoffs. Their combination of shooting, ball movement, and defensive intensity underscored their ambitions to secure the number one overall seed.

POOL A RESULTS

• Game 1 – SHINAGAWA CITY.EXE (21) Def YAIZU CITY UNITED.EXE (7)
• Game 2 – SHINAGAWA CITY.EXE (22) Def SPINNERS.EXE (6)
• Game 3 – YAIZU CITY UNITED.EXE (17) Def SPINNERS.EXE (11)

POOL A WINNER:

SHINAGAWA CITY.EXE

POOL A NOTABLE SCORERS:

• Ryo Ozawa (SHINAGAWA CITY.EXE) – 8.3 PPG | 53% FG%
• Hiroki Sugiyama (YAIZU CITY UNITED.EXE) – 4.5 PPG | 25% – 2PT FG%
• Takuya Shiotani (SPINNERS.EXE) – 3.5 PPG | 62% – 1PT FG%

POOL B

• IRISPARTNERS AICHI.EXE (14) – 415 EXE POINTS | 58% Winning% | 18.3 PPG
• SANJO BEATERS.EXE (33) – 320 EXE POINTS | 7% Winning% | 10.1 PPG
• HIU ZEROCKETS.EXE (21) – 350 EXE POINTS | 27% Winning% | 15.0 PPG

POOL B MOMENT THAT MATTERED

IRISPARTNERS AICHI.EXE Secure Playoff Lifeline in Must-Win Clash

With both teams sitting on the edge of qualification, Pool B quickly shaped into one of the most dramatic battles of the day. IRISPARTNERS AICHI.EXE and HIU ZEROCKETS.EXE entered the contest knowing the stakes, win and stay alive for the 3×3.EXE Playoffs, lose and face elimination from the top 15. The sense of urgency was clear from the opening possession, with neither side willing to give an inch.

HIU ZEROCKETS.EXE looked to their inside presence in the closing minutes, with Kenya Igo powering through contact to score a tough layup that brought his side within a single point. The momentum shift had their supporters on their feet, sensing a late comeback might be possible.

But on the very next possession, IRISPARTNERS AICHI.EXE showed the resilience that has carried them through the season. Hayato Adachi attacked the rim fearlessly, absorbed contact, and still managed to finish the basket. He calmly converted the free throw that followed, pushing the lead back to safety.

That sequence sealed first place in Pool B for IRISPARTNERS AICHI.EXE and ended the playoff dreams of HIU ZEROCKETS.EXE. The contrast was stark, celebration on one bench, disappointment on the other, as IRISPARTNERS AICHI.EXE booked their place in the semi-finals, while HIU ZEROCKETS.EXE saw their season come to a close.

POOL B RESULTS

• Game 1 – IRISPARTNERS AICHI.EXE (21) Def HIU ZEROCKETS.EXE (16)
• Game 2 – IRISPARTNERS AICHI.EXE (21) Def SANJO BEATERS.EXE (7)
• Game 3 – HIU ZEROCKETS.EXE (21) Def SANJO BEATERS.EXE (7)

POOL B WINNER:

IRISPARTNERS AICHI.EXE

POOL B NOTABLE SCORERS:

• Itsuki Endo (HIU ZEROCKETS.EXE) – 9.5 PPG | 40% – 1PT FG%
• Sato Daisuke (IRISPARTNERS AICHI.EXE) – 8.7 PPG | 83% – 1PT FG%
• Kento Mikami (SANJO BEATERS.EXE) – 3.0 PPG | 16% – 2PT FG%

POOL C

• ZETHREE ISHIKAWA.EXE (2) – 640 EXE POINTS | 93% Winning% | 20.4 PPG
• EPIC.EXE (7) – 465 EXE POINTS | 70% Winning% | 17.6 PPG
• TOKYO DIME.EXE (12) – 420 EXE POINTS | 60% Winning% | 19.0 PPG

POOL C MOMENT THAT MATTERED

Win lifts EPIC.EXE up the standings, while TOKYO DIME.EXE slip to 14th but cling to a postseason berth.

Pool C carried the most pressure of Round 8, with all three teams sitting between 7th and 15th in the standings and every win potentially decisive for playoff seeding. The clash between EPIC.EXE and TOKYO DIME.EXE became the defining contest, with both sides desperate for the five valuable EXE Points that came with a pool victory.

EPIC.EXE looked to their guards in the closing stretch, and Atsushi Isshiki rose to the moment. With just under a minute left, Isshiki created separation from his defender and attacked the rim, finishing a tough drive to extend the lead to 15–11. It felt like the game was slipping away, but for those familiar with TOKYO DIME.EXE and the fearless play of Yu Nishiune, it was far from over.

Nishiune drilled a deep two on the next possession to cut the margin to two, and suddenly momentum was back with TOKYO DIME.EXE. Isshiki responded instantly with another drive to the basket, only for Nishiune to again find space and finish strong at the rim, keeping his team alive in the final seconds.

Akito Omachi added a quick layup for EPIC.EXE, but the game still had one last twist. TOKYO DIME.EXE moved the ball sharply to free Nishiune on the perimeter, and he drew a foul on the shot. He calmly sank both free throws, closing the gap to a single point, but with only a second left on the clock there was no time for a comeback. EPIC.EXE escaped with the vital win, pushing themselves up the standings while TOKYO DIME.EXE fell to 14th place. Even with the loss, TOKYO DIME.EXE still managed to hold on to a playoff berth, but their path to Osaka now looks far more challenging.

POOL C RESULTS

• Game 1 – ZETHREE ISHIKAWA.EXE (21) Def TOKYO DIME.EXE (17)
• Game 2 – EPIC.EXE (17) Def TOKYO DIME.EXE (16)
• Game 3 – ZETHREE ISHIKAWA.EXE (22) Def EPIC.EXE (16)

POOL C WINNER:

ZETHREE ISHIKAWA.EXE

POOL C NOTABLE SCORERS:

• Devin Gilligan (ZETHREE ISHIKAWA.EXE) – 7.3 PPG | 74% – 1PT FG%
• Atsushi Isshiki (EPIC.EXE) – 7.0 PPG | 50% – 2PT FG%
• Yu Nishiune (TOKYO DIME.EXE) – 9.0 PPG | 48% FG%

POOL D

• ASUKAYAMA CHERRYBLOSSOMS.EXE (36) – 305 EXE POINTS | 31% Winning% | 15.1 PPG
• TRYHOOP OKAYAMA.EXE (11) – 440 EXE POINTS | 60% Winning% | 19.1 PPG
• UENOHARA SUNRISE.EXE (18) – 395 EXE POINTS | 44% Winning% | 17.5 PPG

POOL D MOMENT THAT MATTERED

TRYHOOP OKAYAMA.EXE Advance, UENOHARA SUNRISE.EXE Miss Playoffs by Narrow Margin

For UENOHARA SUNRISE.EXE, the equation was simple, win and stay alive for the playoffs. Standing in their way were TRYHOOP OKAYAMA.EXE, who themselves were pushing for a top-seven finish and the chance to bypass the early elimination stage in Osaka. The stakes made for a fiercely competitive start, and with just over four minutes left, the scoreline was locked at 13 apiece.

TRYHOOP OKAYAMA.EXE broke the deadlock when Koki Wakasa slipped inside for a layup, forcing UENOHARA SUNRISE.EXE into a timeout. The pause seemed to only sharpen TRYHOOP OKAYAMA.EXE’s focus, and they came out with renewed energy and aggression.

Yusuke Mukai then delivered the decisive blow, drilling back-to-back two-point shots that stretched the margin to four and tilted the momentum firmly in TRYHOOP OKAYAMA.EXE’s favour. From that moment, UENOHARA SUNRISE.EXE struggled to find a response, as their playoff hopes began to fade with each possession.

The final buzzer confirmed a 21–14 victory for TRYHOOP OKAYAMA.EXE, who kept themselves in contention for a coveted top-seven spot. For UENOHARA SUNRISE.EXE, it was a bitter end to their debut campaign, missing the 3×3.EXE Playoffs by just 25 EXE Points despite flashes of promise throughout the season.

POOL D RESULTS

• Game 1 – TRYHOOP OKAYAMA.EXE (21) Def ASUKAYAMA CB.EXE (11)
• Game 2 – TRYHOOP OKAYAMA.EXE (21) Def UENOHARA SUNRISE.EXE (14)
• Game 3 – UENOHARA SUNRISE.EXE (21) Def ASUKAYAMA CB.EXE (13)

POOL D WINNER:

TRYHOOP OKAYAMA.EXE

POOL D NOTABLE SCORERS:

• Ren Kikuchi (ASUKAYAMA CHERRYBLOSSOMS.EXE) – 4.5 PPG | 46% – 1PT FG%
• Michael Phillips (TRYHOOP OKAYAMA.EXE) – 4.7 PPG | 60% – 1PT FG%
• Attila Ergir (UENOHARA SUNRISE.EXE) – 5.5 PPG | 50% – 1PT FG%

SEMI FINAL 1

SHINAGAWA CITY.EXE vs IRISPARTNERS AICHI.EXE

Demsar and Samardžić orchestrate a clinical second-half surge to eliminate IRISPARTNERS AICHI.EXE.

The first semi-final brought together two teams already bound for the 3×3.EXE Playoffs, but with very different goals. SHINAGAWA CITY.EXE entered with their eyes on securing the number one overall seed in Japan, while IRISPARTNERS AICHI.EXE were aiming to lock in the highest possible position inside the double-elimination bracket. With stakes still high, both teams came out firing from the opening tip.

IRISPARTNERS AICHI.EXE struck first, with Daisuke Sato sneaking backdoor for early baskets that set the tone. SHINAGAWA CITY.EXE answered immediately through Dušan Samardžić and Jan Demsar, who matched each score to keep the game even. Yuki Nakazaki and Sota Yamada added points in the paint for IRISPARTNERS AICHI.EXE, but Samardžić responded from deep to tie things up at 4–4 inside the first minute.

From there, the pace eased slightly as both sides settled into their offensive patterns. Sato continued to find success driving the lane, while Samardžić thrived off pick-and-roll action and Ryo Ozawa found his range from beyond the arc. Tomoya Ochiai battled on the boards for SHINAGAWA CITY.EXE, converting a putback and setting the tone with his physicality. By the halfway mark, SHINAGAWA CITY.EXE had nudged ahead 13–10.

Coming out of the timeout, Demsar asserted himself with a layup before linking up beautifully with Samardžić, who drilled consecutive jumpers to extend the lead. Hayato Adachi responded for IRISPARTNERS AICHI.EXE with a determined drive, but the Shinagawa momentum was undeniable. Ochiai’s presence inside and Samardžić’s perimeter scoring began to stretch the margin.

Still, IRISPARTNERS AICHI.EXE refused to fade. Yamada and Sato scored on back-to-back possessions to pull the deficit back within three, reminding everyone why they had been such a dangerous opponent all season. Just as the comeback began to feel real, however, Ozawa silenced it with a timely two-pointer to push Shinagawa within sight of victory.

The connection between Demsar and Samardžić then sealed the deal. First, Demsar set up Samardžić for an easy finish, then the European pairing combined again to take the score to 20. Nakazaki offered one last highlight with a layup in traffic, but Shinagawa had the final word as Demsar closed out the contest with a wide-open basket created by another Samardžić assist.

The 21–15 win ensured SHINAGAWA CITY.EXE advanced to the final and moved within touching distance of the number one seed in Japan. For IRISPARTNERS AICHI.EXE, the fight was enough to confirm their spot in the postseason, but results elsewhere saw them finish 12th overall heading into Osaka.

SCORE

SHINAGAWA CITY.EXE (21) Def IRISPARTNERS AICHI.EXE (15)

SEMI FINAL 2

ZETHREE ISHIKAWA.EXE vs TRYHOOP OKAYAMA.EXE

Scott, Gilligan, and Fujine lead a commanding 21–8 win in Okayama.

The second semi-final paired the home side TRYHOOP OKAYAMA.EXE, chasing a top-seven finish, against ZETHREE ISHIKAWA.EXE, who remained in contention for the number one overall seed. With physical matchups across the floor, Michael Phillips and Peter Junior battling against Jevonnie Scott and Devin Gilligan, this clash promised intensity from the outset.

TRYHOOP OKAYAMA.EXE struck first through a perfectly executed alley-oop to Koki Wakasa, sending the home crowd into early celebrations. It took 90 seconds for the second basket to arrive, when Scott muscled his way inside to score for ZETHREE ISHIKAWA.EXE. That sparked a run as Gilligan worked his way into the paint and Scott buried a deep two, giving ZETHREE ISHIKAWA.EXE the early edge.

Peter Junior responded with two determined finishes at the rim, keeping TRYHOOP OKAYAMA.EXE within a point at 4–3 after two minutes. But from there, the physical battle tilted towards ZETHREE ISHIKAWA.EXE. Scott and Gilligan absorbed contact to earn trips to the line, and both converted tough baskets around the rim. Their efforts pushed the lead out to six, before Wakasa briefly cut the gap with a two from the wing.

ZETHREE ISHIKAWA.EXE’s depth then took over. Makoto Fujine stepped into the corner and buried a wide-open shot, stretching the lead to 12–5 by the midpoint. A timeout from TRYHOOP OKAYAMA.EXE slowed the momentum, but on the very next possession Bogdan Filipović found his way inside for ZETHREE ISHIKAWA.EXE to score again.

TRYHOOP OKAYAMA.EXE refused to go quietly, with Phillips grinding out back-to-back baskets in the paint to spark hope. Yet Gilligan answered with a determined drive before finding Fujine at the top of the arc for another dagger three, pushing the margin even further.

The closing stages belonged to Scott, who showcased both his strength and composure. After trading baskets with Phillips, Scott calmly knocked down two free throws to bring ZETHREE ISHIKAWA.EXE within a single possession of victory.

The finishing blow came moments later when Gilligan again drew the defense and kicked to Fujine, who nailed another three-pointer to seal a commanding 21–8 win. ZETHREE ISHIKAWA.EXE booked their place in the final against SHINAGAWA CITY.EXE in a winner-takes-all clash for seeding supremacy, while TRYHOOP OKAYAMA.EXE walked away with pride, their semi-final run confirming a ninth-place finish and a place in the Osaka Playoffs.

SCORE

ZETHREE ISHIKAWA.EXE (21) Def TRYHOOP OKAYAMA.EXE (8)

Grand FINAL

SHINAGAWA CITY.EXE vs ZETHREE ISHIKAWA.EXE

Ozawa’s Heroics Seal SHINAGAWA CITY.EXE’s Regular Season Crown

The Round 8 final provided a fitting conclusion to the regular season as SHINAGAWA CITY.EXE and ZETHREE ISHIKAWA.EXE, two of the most dominant sides of 2025,  clashed with the number one overall seed on the line. Both teams had already secured their place among Japan’s elite, but the chance to enter the Osaka Playoffs with top billing added an extra layer of intensity to the contest.

The defensive tone was set immediately, with both teams denying clean looks across the opening possessions. Devin Gilligan broke the deadlock for ZETHREE ISHIKAWA.EXE with a scooping layup, before Ryo Ozawa drew a foul from outside and calmly converted free throws to put SHINAGAWA CITY.EXE on the board. Gilligan attacked the basket again, but Dušan Samardžić answered inside and out to give Shinagawa a slim edge, only for Jevonnie Scott to respond with a three-point burst of his own to level the scores at 5–5 after two minutes.

The back-and-forth continued as Tomoya Ochiai and Gilligan traded baskets in the paint. Makoto Fujine then struck from deep to nudge ZETHREE ISHIKAWA.EXE in front, and although Jan Demsar tied the game moments later, Fujine immediately drained his second two-pointer of the contest. A free throw from Gilligan and a steal-and-score by Ryoichi Dewa gave ZETHREE ISHIKAWA.EXE their biggest lead at 12–8.

Samardžić tried to rally SHINAGAWA CITY.EXE, but Scott’s strength inside kept the margin steady. Ozawa found space on a slashing drive to score, yet Scott answered with another basket to ensure ZETHREE ISHIKAWA.EXE took a 14–10 lead into the mid-game timeout. At that point, Zethree looked in full control.

The second half began with Samardžić powering through a post move, but Dewa and Gilligan immediately restored the buffer, pushing ZETHREE ISHIKAWA.EXE’s advantage to 16–11. When Scott followed up with a two-handed slam, the scoreboard read 18–13, and Zethree seemed poised to close out the win.

Instead, the game flipped dramatically. Off a set screen, Ozawa buried his first three-pointer of the night. On the very next possession, Shinagawa ran the same action, and Ozawa struck again from the same spot. Suddenly the margin was one. Then, after a stop on defense, Ozawa caught fire for a third straight attempt, this time from the opposite wing, knocking down another deep shot despite heavy contact. He converted the free throw, and SHINAGAWA CITY.EXE surged ahead 20–18.

Gilligan pulled ZETHREE ISHIKAWA.EXE back within one with a tough layup inside, setting up a tense finish with both sides needing a single possession to win. For nearly a minute the defense smothered every option, neither side able to create daylight.

Then came the decisive moment. Shinagawa swung the ball to Ozawa at the top of the arc, and the veteran guard delivered once again, drilling his fourth three-pointer in less than two minutes. The 22–19 victory not only sealed Round 8 honours but also crowned SHINAGAWA CITY.EXE as the number one seed for the 3×3.EXE Playoffs, leaving ZETHREE ISHIKAWA.EXE to settle for second. It was a comeback for the ages and a reminder of why Shinagawa stand at the very peak of Japanese 3×3 basketball.

SCORE

SHINAGAWA CITY.EXE (22) Def ZETHREE ISHIKAWA.EXE (19)

MVP – RYO OZAWA (SHINAGAWA CITY.EXE)

8.3 PPG | 48% – 2Pt FG% | 52% FG%

Ryo Ozawa delivered one of the standout performances of the season, earning MVP honours for Round 8 with his remarkable shot-making in the biggest moments. Averaging 8.3 points per game while shooting 48% from two-point range and 52% overall from the field, Ozawa combined efficiency with composure to guide SHINAGAWA CITY.EXE through the pressure of Hachinohe.

His defining stretch came in the final against ZETHREE ISHIKAWA.EXE, where Ozawa erupted with four long-range daggers in the space of 90 seconds to flip the game and secure Shinagawa both the Round 8 crown and the number one overall seed for the Osaka Playoffs. It was a masterclass in timing and leadership, reinforcing Ozawa’s reputation as one of the most reliable scorers in 3×3.EXE Japan.

Results

Links

FIBA 3×3 Event Page	FIBA 3×3 Event Link
YouTube Link	Youtube Link – Men’s
3×3.EXE Standings	3×3.EXE Standings
3×3.EXE Schedule	3×3.EXE Schedule