From Vietnam to Japan: Saigon Heat.EXE Crowned Champions and Head to 3×3.EXE Playoffs

Across eight thrilling rounds of 3×3.EXE Premier Vietnam, six teams battled through sweat, skill, and strategy in a quest not just for glory, but for qualification. From buzzer-beaters to breakout performances, the 2025 season showcased the growing power of 3×3 basketball in Southeast Asia.

As the dust settles, it’s Saigon Heat.EXE who stand alone at the top — their unmatched consistency and dominant form securing them the #1 overall ranking and a coveted spot at the 3×3.EXE Playoffs in Japan this September.

Round 5 – A New Champion Emerges in Vietnam

Semi Final 1: Saigonect Minakami.EXE 21 def. HBA.EXE 16

The opening semi-final of Round 5 saw a surging HBA.EXE take on a well-organised Saigonect Minakami.EXE unit. The first few minutes were tightly contested, with HBA.EXE creating quality looks while Saigonect Minakami.EXE struggled to convert near the rim. That changed when Eiki Kato knocked down back-to-back 2-pointers, giving Saigonect Minakami.EXE a slight edge and taking the wind out of HBA.EXE’s sails. Despite a team-high 7 points from Andrew White, HBA.EXE couldn’t regain momentum. Saigonect Minakami.EXE closed the game out methodically, with Eiji Kato leading all scorers with 9 points.

Semi Final 2: Uncle Drew Manila.EXE 19 def. Rising Star Kuala Lumpur.EXE 18

The crowd at AEON Mall Celadon witnessed one of the most thrilling contests of the season as Uncle Drew Manila.EXE and Rising Star Kuala Lumpur.EXE delivered a classic. The game was a back-and-forth affair, with Rueben Chester Saluda and Lim Ting Xuan each scoring 5 early points to keep the contest level through pick-and-roll execution and smart inside play.

Then came Ryan Monteclaro, lighting it up for Uncle Drew Manila.EXE with contested 2s, countered by Lee Jia Jun’s 10-point showcase for Rising Star Kuala Lumpur.EXE. With 20 seconds left, Ting Xuan’s and-one tied it at 18 apiece. Under pressure, Shaq Alanes slipped through the defense for a go-ahead layup. In the final play, Lee Jia Jun released a potential game-winner from just inside the arc — correctly ruled a single — and waved off. Uncle Drew Manila.EXE advanced to the final in dramatic fashion.

Grand Final: Uncle Drew Manila.EXE 21 def. Saigonect Minakami.EXE 20

For the first time this season, a final tipped off without Saigon Heat.EXE. That didn’t reduce the drama. Both Uncle Drew Manila.EXE and Saigonect Minakami.EXE were determined to seize their opportunity in Round 5 of 3×3.EXE Premier Vietnam.

Saigonect Minakami.EXE capitalised early on second-chance points from Sameen Swint and a strong pick-and-roll game. With four minutes left, Eiji Kato hit a deep 2 to give Saigonect Minakami.EXE a 6-point lead, forcing an Uncle Drew timeout. Things got worse when Shaq Alanes rolled his ankle on a drive.

But Uncle Drew Manila.EXE weren’t done. Monteclaro found Saluda for a game-tying bucket at 18–all. Then came a layup from Kento Kasuka followed by a putback from Shane Hayward, pushing Saigonect Minakami.EXE up by two with 15 seconds to go.

On the next possession, Eiji Kato fouled Monteclaro, who calmly hit the first free throw and missed the second — only to recover his own rebound, turn, and drain a heavily contested 2-pointer to seal the win and crush Saigonect Minakami.EXE’s hopes.

🏆 Round 5 Champions – Uncle Drew Manila.EXE
🥈 Runner-up – Saigonect Minakami.EXE
⭐ MVP – Ryan Monteclaro (Uncle Drew Manila.EXE)

Scores – Round 5:

Scores – Round 5:
  • Game 1: Saigonect Minakami.EXE 21 def. Saigon Heat.EXE 14
  • Game 2: HBA.EXE 21 def. HCMC Wings.EXE 14
  • Game 3: Rising Star Kuala Lumpur.EXE 21 def. Saigon Heat.EXE 18
  • Game 4: Uncle Drew Manila.EXE 21 def. HCMC Wings.EXE 17
  • Game 5: Saigonect Minakami.EXE 21 def. Rising Star Kuala Lumpur.EXE 12
  • Game 6: Uncle Drew Manila.EXE 22 def. HBA.EXE 15
  • Semi Final 1: Saigonect Minakami.EXE 21 def. HBA.EXE 16
  • Semi Final 2: Uncle Drew Manila.EXE 19 def. Rising Star Kuala Lumpur.EXE 18
  • Grand Final: Uncle Drew Manila.EXE 21 def. Saigonect Minakami.EXE 20

Round 6 – Saigon Heat.EXE Reclaims the Crown

Semi Final 1: Rising Star Kuala Lumpur.EXE 21 def. Saigonect Minakami.EXE 18

The first semi-final of Round 6 was a clash between the Round 5 runners-up, Saigonect Minakami.EXE, and a fired-up Rising Star Kuala Lumpur.EXE squad who had just stunned the defending champions in their first game of the day.

With more fouls than field goals in the opening minutes, the tone was physical from the outset. Leong Zhen Yang (Rising Star Kuala Lumpur.EXE) broke the game open with an off-balance 2-pointer, a transition layup, and another wide-open two, pushing the score to 12–8 and forcing Saigonect Minakami.EXE to regroup.

Shane Hayward kept Minakami competitive with strong finishes at the rim, and Eiji Kato’s big 2-pointer followed by a pair of layups from Sameen Swint cut the deficit to one. But the relentless scoring of Lee Jia Jun and a clutch game-winner from Run Sam Yep secured a gritty 21–18 win and a place in the final for Rising Star Kuala Lumpur.EXE.

Semi Final 2: Saigon Heat.EXE 22 def. Uncle Drew Manila.EXE 17

In a heavyweight match-up, the top-ranked Saigon Heat.EXE faced off against the only other team to win a round this season — Uncle Drew Manila.EXE. Saigon Heat clearly came prepared, locking down Ryan Monteclaro from the jump with suffocating perimeter defense and even picking up an early foul in the process.

Tim Waale played the enforcer early, crashing the boards and executing clean pick-and-roll plays that opened up the court. Despite some resistance from Rueben Chester Saluda (#5), who knocked down a layup and a 2-pointer, Uncle Drew Manila.EXE showed signs of fatigue from the previous day’s deep run.

Monteclaro briefly reignited their hopes with two huge 2s that cut the lead to 18–17, but that was as close as they’d get. Saigon Heat.EXE closed out with poise and control, finishing the game 22–17.

Grand Final: Saigon Heat.EXE 20 def. Rising Star Kuala Lumpur.EXE 17

The final saw Saigon Heat.EXE square off against the round’s “giant killers” — Rising Star Kuala Lumpur.EXE — who had taken down both Round 5 finalists en route to this stage.

The opening was evenly contested, tied at 3–3 after two minutes as both sides missed open looks. Leong Zhen Yang continued to shine for Rising Star, repeatedly finding space and forcing mismatches. Tim Waale once again answered with back-to-back 2-pointers to level the score at 9–9.

Turnovers and fouls from Saigon Heat.EXE allowed Rising Star to edge ahead, building a 15–12 lead with four minutes remaining. But cracks began to show as fatigue set in, leading to late-clock shots and sloppy execution.

Saigon Heat.EXE stayed composed, closing the gap to 16–14 with under a minute to play. Lim Ting Xuan (#6) converted a tough layup through traffic, but Davon Dillard quickly responded with a 2-pointer from the corner to make it 17–16. A massive shot from Lee Jia Jun pushed the lead again, but a late foul put Dillard on the line — and he iced both free throws to complete a 6–0 solo run, clinching the title and securing MVP honours.

🏆 Round 6 Champions – Saigon Heat.EXE
🥈 Runner-up – Rising Star Kuala Lumpur.EXE
⭐ MVP – Davon Dillard (Saigon Heat.EXE)

Scores – Round 6:
  • Game 1: Rising Star Kuala Lumpur.EXE 21 def. Uncle Drew Manila.EXE 20
  • Game 2: Saigonect Minakami.EXE 21 def. HCMC Wings.EXE 7
  • Game 3: Rising Star Kuala Lumpur.EXE 22 def. HBA.EXE 13
  • Game 4: Saigon Heat.EXE 19 def. Saigonect Minakami.EXE 15
  • Game 5: Uncle Drew Manila.EXE 21 def. HBA.EXE 16
  • Game 6: Saigon Heat.EXE 21 def. HCMC Wings.EXE 10
  • Semi Final 1: Rising Star Kuala Lumpur.EXE 21 def. Saigonect Minakami.EXE 18
  • Semi Final 2: Saigon Heat.EXE 22 def. Uncle Drew Manila.EXE 17
  • Grand Final: Saigon Heat.EXE 20 def. Rising Star Kuala Lumpur.EXE 17

Round 7 – A Rematch for the Ages

Semi Final 1: Saigon Heat.EXE 20 def. Saigonect Minakami.EXE 16

Saigon Heat.EXE entered Round 7 with renewed energy, dominating both pool games, while Saigonect Minakami.EXE suffered a narrow loss to Rising Star Kuala Lumpur.EXE in their final pool outing.

The game began with fireworks as Marcus Hammonds drilled a deep 2-pointer in the opening minute, followed by a slick ankle-breaker and layup from Round 6 MVP Davon Dillard to give Saigon Heat.EXE an 8–5 lead. Saigonect Minakami.EXE kept things close behind some clean isolation work from Sameen Swint, narrowing the gap to 12–9 despite the outside shooting barrage.

Once again, it was Tim Waale doing the little things—layups, rim protection, and interior presence—extending the Saigon Heat.EXE lead to 16–10 with four minutes remaining. Shane Hayward’s physicality kept Saigonect Minakami.EXE in the hunt, scoring 5 straight points to make it 19–15, but the Heat’s defence held firm. Despite a few missed deep attempts, they sealed the deal 20–16.

Semi Final 2: Rising Star Kuala Lumpur.EXE 21 def. Uncle Drew Manila.EXE 18

The second semi-final featured a high-stakes clash between two of the league’s most aggressive squads. Rising Star Kuala Lumpur.EXE cruised through pool play, while Uncle Drew Manila.EXE edged HBA.EXE in a Round 7 classic before falling to the freight train that was Saigon Heat.EXE.

This game had major ladder implications, and Rising Star Kuala Lumpur.EXE came out firing. Precise ball movement set up Run Sam Yep for three consecutive 2-pointers, propelling the Malaysians to a 9–2 lead. But Uncle Drew Manila.EXE, led by Ryan Monteclaro, responded with a 7–2 run of their own over the next three minutes, cutting the margin to two.

Despite some costly missed layups, another 2-pointer from Run Sam Yep extended the gap to 15–10. The return of Shaq Alanes sparked some late-game energy, but it was Monteclaro’s clutch free throws that brought the score to 20–18. Ultimately, early foul trouble and poor perimeter defence proved costly for Uncle Drew Manila.EXE, as Rising Star Kuala Lumpur.EXE booked another finals appearance.

Grand Final: Saigon Heat.EXE 21 def. Rising Star Kuala Lumpur.EXE 20

Round 7 ended with a blockbuster rematch of the Round 6 final—Saigon Heat.EXE versus the surging Rising Star Kuala Lumpur.EXE.

In a bizarre start, Saigon Heat.EXE’s opening point came from an accidental own-goal by Rising Star Kuala Lumpur.EXE. Tim Waale followed with a classic pick-and-roll finish, but Lee Jia Jun quickly answered with a 2-pointer of his own. Christopher Blake stepped up for Saigon Heat.EXE, trading blow-for-blow with Rising Star Kuala Lumpur.EXE and keeping his side narrowly in front.

Soon, the Rising Star Kuala Lumpur.EXE ball movement machine kicked into gear. Open looks for Lee Jia Jun and Run Sam Yep gave the Malaysians a 14–9 lead, including a highlight-reel shimmy from Lee that sent the crowd at AEON Mall Celadon into a frenzy. Davon Dillard slammed home a powerful dunk to energise Saigon Heat.EXE with five minutes remaining.

Defensive lapses from Saigon Heat.EXE allowed Lim Ting Xuan easy putbacks, stretching the Rising Star Kuala Lumpur.EXE lead to 17–13. But one steal from Christopher Blake led to a Marcus Hammonds dunk, flipping momentum instantly. On the next possession, Hammonds delivered a critical block, freeing Dillard for a transition layup to bring it to 19–18.

Lee Jia Jun struck again, this time with a tough contested layup to make it 20–19. In response, Blake pump-faked from the corner and nearly drew a foul, but the shot fell short. With the game on the line, Rising Star Kuala Lumpur.EXE had possession and a chance to win. But Marcus Hammonds delivered another game-saving block.

After a chaotic sequence, the ball found its way to Davon Dillard in the corner—with a hand in his face. Bang. Nothing but net. A walk-off dagger that sealed the game, the round, and likely the top seed for the playoffs.

🏆 Round 7 Champions – Saigon Heat.EXE
🥈 Runner-up – Rising Star Kuala Lumpur.EXE
⭐ MVP – Christopher Blake (Saigon Heat.EXE)

Scores – Round 7:
  • Game 1: Uncle Drew Manila.EXE 22 def. HBA.EXE 20
  • Game 2: Rising Star Kuala Lumpur.EXE 21 def. HCMC Wings.EXE 14
  • Game 3: Saigon Heat.EXE 21 def. HBA.EXE 15
  • Game 4: Saigonect Minakami.EXE 21 def. HCMC Wings.EXE 6
  • Game 5: Saigon Heat.EXE 22 def. Uncle Drew Manila.EXE 10
  • Game 6: Rising Star Kuala Lumpur.EXE 20 def. Saigonect Minakami.EXE 18
  • Semi Final 1: Saigon Heat.EXE 20 def. Saigonect Minakami.EXE 16
  • Semi Final 2: Rising Star Kuala Lumpur.EXE 21 def. Uncle Drew Manila.EXE 18
  • Grand Final: Saigon Heat.EXE 21 def. Rising Star Kuala Lumpur.EXE 20

Round 8 – The Final Showdown in Vietnam

Semi Final 1: Saigon Heat.EXE 22 def. HBA.EXE 16

After navigating the tougher of the two pools unbeaten, Saigon Heat.EXE entered the Round 8 semi-finals aiming to capture their seventh win in eight rounds and close out 3×3.EXE Premier Vietnam in dominant fashion. HBA.EXE, meanwhile, fought their way to second in their pool and were determined to finish the season strong.

The game began with Saigon Heat.EXE’s trademark chemistry and size on full display, racing out to a 4–0 lead through seamless ball movement and lockdown defence. Andrew White brought HBA.EXE back into the contest with a slick step-back 2, and a strong drive by Tri Nguyen helped HBA.EXE grab a brief lead.

But the response from Saigon Heat.EXE was swift and clinical. A wide-open 2-pointer from Christopher Blake and a transition layup from Davon Dillard restored control at 13–9. Marcus Hammonds anchored the paint and shut down HBA.EXE’s inside attempts as the Heat pulled away. Despite a late push from Loc Dao, Saigon Heat.EXE closed it out in style, 22–16.

Semi Final 2: Saigonect Minakami.EXE 21 def. Rising Star Kuala Lumpur.EXE 11

With second place overall in the league on the line, the second semi-final brought together two battle-tested teams in Saigonect Minakami.EXE and Rising Star Kuala Lumpur.EXE. Both had shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season, but only one would finish as runner-up in Vietnam.

The opening 90 seconds were sluggish as fatigue clearly played a role, with both sides struggling to score. Shane Hayward finally broke through for Saigonect Minakami.EXE, and Kento Kusaka took over the tempo, helping his side jump out to a 5–1 lead. Kusaka then drilled the first 2-pointer of the game, making it 10–3.

Rising Star Kuala Lumpur.EXE, coming off back-to-back finals appearances, were visibly running out of steam. Down 13–5 and in foul trouble by the 5-minute mark, they couldn’t recover. Saigonect Minakami.EXE stuck to simple basketball, played within themselves, and cruised to a decisive 21–11 win to lock in second place overall.

Grand Final: Saigon Heat.EXE 19 def. Saigonect Minakami.EXE 16

In front of a packed crowd at AEON Mall Celadon, the Grand Final of Round 8 also served as the final match of the 2025 3×3.EXE Premier Vietnam season. With both the title and runner-up spots already decided, you wouldn’t have known it from the intensity both teams brought.

Saigonect Minakami.EXE started hot with a 3–0 burst, but Saigon Heat.EXE responded just as quickly—locked at 5–5 after just 90 seconds. A step-back 2 from Marcus Hammonds gave Saigon Heat.EXE a brief lead, but Sameen Swint responded with an and-one to tie it up. Three minutes in, it was all square at 9–9.

The physicality ramped up, and the game turned into a thrilling display of strength and pace. Minh Tuan Nguyen Hoang drove hard to the rim but was denied at the summit by Shane Hayward in a highlight-reel block. Eight minutes in, Saigon Heat.EXE reverted to fundamentals—post-ups and strong cuts—and began to edge ahead.

Davon Dillard’s drive gave Saigon Heat.EXE a 17–14 cushion, but Sameen Swint answered with a quick 2 to close the gap to 17–16 with just a minute to go. On the next play, a rebound foul on Swint sent Marcus Hammonds to the line. Calm and composed, he drained both free throws to make it 19–16.

Time expired before Saigonect Minakami.EXE could mount a final push, crowning Saigon Heat.EXE as champions once more and capping off a phenomenal season with seven wins in eight rounds. Christopher Blake claimed his second MVP of the season with another stellar all-around performance.

🏆 Round 8 Champions – Saigon Heat.EXE
🥈 Runner-up – Saigonect Minakami.EXE
⭐ MVP – Christopher Blake (Saigon Heat.EXE)

Scores – Round 8:
  • Game 1: Saigon Heat.EXE 21 def. Uncle Drew Manila.EXE 20
  • Game 2: HBA.EXE 21 def. HCMC Wings.EXE 18
  • Game 3: Saigonect Minakami.EXE 21 def. Uncle Drew Manila.EXE 16
  • Game 4: Rising Star Kuala Lumpur.EXE 22 def. HBA.EXE 17
  • Game 5: Saigon Heat.EXE 19 def. Saigonect Minakami.EXE 15
  • Game 6: Rising Star Kuala Lumpur.EXE 21 def. HCMC Wings.EXE 10
  • Semi Final 1: Saigon Heat.EXE 22 def. HBA.EXE 16
  • Semi Final 2: Saigonect Minakami.EXE 21 def. Rising Star Kuala Lumpur.EXE 11
  • Grand Final: Saigon Heat.EXE 19 def. Saigonect Minakami.EXE 16

All Roads Lead to Japan

Saigon Heat.EXE’s campaign was nothing short of elite — with seven wins in eight rounds, a stacked roster of MVPs, and a rock-solid team chemistry that never wavered. Their reward? A ticket to the international stage, where they will represent Vietnam at the 3×3.EXE Playoffs in Japan this coming September.

Saigonect Minakami.EXE, Uncle Drew Manila.EXE, and Rising Star Kuala Lumpur.EXE also deserve huge recognition, finishing neck and neck in the fight for second place and raising the level of competition throughout the season.

With the regular season now complete, attention turns to the playoffs — and the question remains:

Can Saigon Heat.EXE carry their dominance onto the global court?

The journey continues in Japan.

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