With Round 1 of 3×3.EXE Super Premier firmly in the books, attention now shifts to Round 2, set to take place in Thailand at Mega Bangna. With pools restructured based on Round 1 performances, fans were treated to new matchups and fresh challenges, raising the intensity as teams fought to stay in contention.
Adjustments were crucial, as every game carried weight in the race toward the 3×3.EXE Super Premier Finals in Hachinohe, Japan, where the elusive first-round byes could make all the difference.
Pool A Results:
- Alphas.EXE defeated Saigon Heat.EXE: 21–12
- Hachinohe Dime.EXE defeated Saigon Heat.EXE: 16–14
- Alphas.EXE defeated Hachinohe Dime.EXE: 21–10
Pool A Recap:
Defending 3×3.EXE Super Premier Round 1 champions, Alphas.EXE, picked up right where they left off in Vietnam, setting the pace early and dominating Pool A. Winning both games by a combined 20 points, they showcased their blistering defence with 11 steals and elite teamwork, dishing out 16 assists across two games. Their balanced scoring attack saw every player contribute between 9 and 12 points, securing the top spot in the pool and carrying strong momentum into the quarterfinals.
The deciding game in Pool A between Hachinohe Dime.EXE and Saigon Heat.EXE was a fierce battle from start to finish. Both teams were locked at 5 points after the opening five minutes, setting the stage for a grind-it-out contest.
With one minute to play, Chihiro (10 points, 2 steals) delivered the clutch moment, sinking a huge two-pointer from the top of the arc to give Hachinohe.EXE the edge. Despite a strong effort from Denham Brooke (7 points, 4 rebounds) leading Saigon Heat.EXE, fatigue and foul trouble proved costly in the closing moments. Hachinohe.EXE held their composure, maintaining a slim lead down the stretch to secure a hard-fought 16-14 victory, punching their ticket to the next round.
Notable performances:
- Chichiro Sawahasira (Hachinohe Dime.EXE) – 10 Points 5 Rebounds 2 Steals
- Hayate Suzuki (Alphas.EXE) – 6 Points, 3 Rebounds, 2 Blocks, 1 Steal, 0 TO
- Denhym Brooke (Saigon Heat.EXE) – 6 Points (50% FG%), 4 Rebounds, 1 Block
Pool B Results:
- Hangzhou defeated Tokyo Dime.EXE: 21–18
- Shoot it Dragons.EXE defeated Tokyo Dime.EXE: 17-16
- Hangzhou defeated Shoot it Dragons.EXE: 21–11
Pool B Action
Hangzhou entered Round 2 with something to prove, eager to bounce back from their heartbreaking Round 1 final loss. They wasted no time asserting their dominance, taking out their frustration on their opening pool play opponents, Tokyo Dime.EXE and Shoot It Dragons.EXE, showcasing their skill, experience, and composure under pressure.
Led by Milan Kovacevic controlling the paint and Hangzhou dictating the tempo, they navigated two tightly contested games, overcoming an 11-point effort from Accheaus Fields (Shoot It Dragons.EXE) and a scorching 15-point outburst from Yu Nishiune (Tokyo Dime.EXE). While the final scores suggested closely fought battles, Hangzhou’s control never truly felt in doubt, as they cruised through Pool B, locking in their spot in the quarterfinals.
With second place in Pool B on the line, the showdown between Shoot It Dragons.EXE and Tokyo Dime.EXE was always destined to be a fierce and tightly contested battle. True to expectations, the game went down to the wire, with Shoot It Dragons holding a 17-14 lead heading into the final minute.
Sensing the urgency, Tokyo Dime launched a relentless flurry of two-point attempts, desperate to close the gap. The intensity hit another level as both teams fought for their place in the next round.
With 20 seconds remaining, Komatsu from Tokyo Dime.EXE found himself wide open at the top of the arc. Wasting no time, he launched a clutch two-pointer, drilling it to bring the score within one at 17-16.
But that was as close as Tokyo Dime would get. Kareem Jackson and Accheaus Fields, who accounted for all 17 of Shoot It Dragons’ points, kept their composure in the final moments, controlling possession and sealing the victory. Shoot It Dragons.EXE held on for a thrilling 17-16 win, securing second place in Pool B and advancing to the next stage.
Notable Performances
- Yu Nishiune (Tokyo Dime.EXE) – 15 Points (45% FG%), 1 Steal
- Accheaus Fields (Shoot It Dragons.EXE) – 8 Points, 4 Rebounds, 2 Blocks, 1 Steal
- Milan Kovacevic (Hangzhou) – 10 Points (75% FG%), 4 Rebounds, 1 Assist
Pool C Results:
- Brisbane City Blue.EXE defeated Simon.EXE: 21–15
- Beefman.EXE defeated Simon.EXE: 18–15
- Brisbane City Blue.EXE defeated Beefman.EXE: 17–15
Pool C Recap:
Brisbane City Blue.EXE, coming off a strong Round 1 showing, entered Round 2 with momentum and confidence.
In their first matchup, they faced the Twin Towers of Simon.EXE, but countered with their own dominant frontcourt duo—Matt Johns and newcomer Griffin Biwer. The physical battle in the paint played right into Brisbane’s strengths, allowing them to control the tempo and impose their presence inside. Johns led the way with 10 points, while Liam Fletcher added 6, as Brisbane cruised to a statement win to kickstart their Pool C campaign.
In Brisbane’s second game, they squared off in a classic size vs. speed battle against Beefman.EXE, a team known for their quickness and perimeter shooting. However, Brisbane flipped the script, using their size advantage to disrupt Beefman’s rhythm and forcing them into early foul trouble.
With Griffin leading the charge (7 points, 6 rebounds), Brisbane dominated the paint, making life difficult for Beefman and securing another hard-fought win to cap off their strong Pool C campaign.
The final matchup between Beefman.EXE and Simon.EXE was a gritty, back-and-forth battle, with both teams fighting for survival. Simon leaned on their Twin Towers, as Mike Harry contributed 5 points, and Cheick Keita controlled the boards with 11 rebounds, making things difficult for Beefman throughout the game.
In a neck-and-neck contest, neither team could pull away—until the final minute. With the game on the line, Takaaki Shimizu (8 points, 3 rebounds, 80% FG%) stepped up in the clutch, drilling back-to-back deep twos to break the deadlock and put Beefman ahead for good. His late-game heroics proved to be the difference, lifting Beefman.EXE into the next round.
Notable Performances
- Matt Johns (Brisbane City Blue.EXE) – 10 Points, 4 Steals, 2 Rebounds
- Takaaki Shimizu (Beefman.EXE) – 8 Points (80% FG%), 3 Rebounds
- Mike Harry (Simon.EXE) – 5 Points, 3 Rebounds, 2 Blocks, 2 Assists
Pool D Results:
- Nunawading Sentinels Red.EXE defeated Minakami.EXE: 21–18
- Lausanne defeated Minakami.EXE: 18–16
- Lausanne defeated Nunawading Sentinels Red.EXE: 18–12
Pool D Recap:
In what was arguably the most physical pool of 3×3.EXE Super Premier Round 2, featuring Nunawading.EXE, Minakami.EXE, and Lausanne, the intensity was on full display from the opening tip.
After an early exit in Round 1, Lausanne entered with something to prove, determined to bounce back with a stronger showing in Round 2. They wasted no time making their presence felt, coming out with relentless energy and a clear sense of urgency.
Led by Wes Molteni, who posted an impressive 10 points and 9 rebounds, Lausanne set the tone early in their opening matchup. Alongside him, newcomer Andrew Kelly made an immediate impact, racking up 5 massive blocks and 6 rebounds, anchoring Lausanne’s defense in dominant fashion.
In their second game against Nunawading Sentinels Red.EXE, Lausanne found themselves in a gritty, low-scoring battle, with both teams struggling to find their offensive rhythm early. However, as the game wore on, Lausanne’s experience and composure proved decisive. Taking advantage of Nunawading’s foul trouble, they gradually pulled away, with their Polish sharpshooter, Przemyslaw Zamojski, stepping up with 10 points to secure the win and top Pool D.
In the other Pool D matchup, Nunawading Sentinels Red.EXE and Minakami.EXE put on a high-scoring display, proving their offensive firepower from the start. With both teams trading baskets, the score was tied at 10-all just three minutes in, setting the stage for a thrilling back-and-forth contest.
Minakami.EXE, playing with a full-strength squad in Round 2, held a slight edge heading into the final minutes but failed to capitalize on key opportunities, missing crucial free throws that could have widened the gap and eased the pressure.
Sensing the opening, Nunawading Sentinels Red.EXE pounced, with Jake Afoa stepping up in crunch time. He finished with 11 points on an efficient 58% shooting, delivering back-to-back clutch baskets that sparked a decisive 6-1 run, sealing a hard-fought victory for Nunawading.
Notable Performances:
- Jake Afoa (Nunawading Sentinels Red.EXE) – 11 Points (58% FG%), 2 Rebounds, 2 Assists, 1 Steal
- Wes Molteni (Lausanne) – 10 Points, 9 Rebounds, 2 Assists, 2 Blocks, 1 Steal
- Shun Otsuka (Minakami.EXE) – 16 Rebounds, 3 Points, 2 Assists, 2 Steals
Day 2 Showdowns
After a thrilling pool stage, the competition heats up even further as the top eight teams battle it out for a spot in the semifinals of 3×3.EXE Super Premier Round 2. With momentum, matchups, and high stakes at play, every team will need to bring their best in these win-or-go-home clashes.
- QF 1 – Alphas.EXE vs Beefman.EXE
The defending Round 1 champions, Alphas.EXE, have been dominant so far, but they now face a gritty Beefman.EXE squad hungry to pull off an upset. With Alphas’ elite ball movement and defensive intensity going up against Beefman’s clutch performers, expect a battle of precision vs resilience in this high-stakes quarterfinal.
- QF 2 – Lausanne vs Shoot It Dragons.EXE
Lausanne have looked like a team on a mission, led by Wes Molteni’s all-around dominance and Andrew Kelly’s defensive presence. But Shoot It Dragons.EXE have shown they can go toe-to-toe with anyone, riding on the offensive firepower of Fields and Jackson. With contrasting styles and momentum on the line, this matchup has all the ingredients for a must-watch clash.
- QF 3 – Hangzhou vs Nunawading Sentinels Red.EXE
Hangzhou have been near unstoppable, displaying depth, discipline, and deadly efficiency. But Nunawading Sentinels Red.EXE proved in Pool D that they thrive under pressure, led by Jake Afoa’s clutch play. If Nunawading can slow down Hangzhou’s offensive rhythm, this game could go down to the wire.
- QF 4 – Brisbane City Blue.EXE vs Hachinohe Dime.EXE
With Brisbane City Blue.EXE riding the dominant inside-out play of Matt Johns and Griffin Biwer, they’ll be looking to continue their unbeaten run. But Hachinohe Dime.EXE have been battle-tested, and with Chihiro’s clutch shooting and team discipline, they have the tools to cause an upset. A hard-nosed, physical battle awaits in this final quarterfinal matchup.
With only four spots in the semifinals up for grabs, the intensity, strategy, and sheer will to win will be on full display. Who will rise? Who will fall? The road to the championship continues.
