Basketball

Players of Kuala Lumpur.EXE (in orange) and Saigon Heat seen in action of the 3x3.EXE Premier Vietnam 2024's eighth stage final. Photos of VBA

HCM CITY -- Kuala Lumpur.EXE won the final stage, but Saigon Heat.EXE were the champions of the first 3x3.EXE Premier Vietnam 2024 basketball tournament which closed on June 9 in HCM City.

In the eighth stage, the Malaysian team defeated the Heat 21-19.

Congolese guard Tychique Bosango hit new peaks to help Kuala Lumpur keep up with the play and they were just ahead, leading 20-19, in the last few minutes, before Zhen Yang Chong broke through the Heat's defence and scored the winning point for the visiting squad.

Kuala Lumpur.EXE players celebrate their stage win on June 9 in HCM City.

Bosango was voted the Most Valued Player (MVP) of the match.

Despite loss, the Heat still managed to become the overall champion of the tournament after winning over four stages and taking a total of 700 points. They qualified for the Premier Playoffs which will be held in Tokyo, Japan, in September.

American forward Chrishon Briggs of the Heat was the overall MVP of the tournament.

Shanghai Shurtai.EXE of China finished second with 640 points and secured Shoot-out and Skills Challenge awards.

Kuala Lumpur placed third with 615 points.

The first 3x3.EXE Vietnam Premier 2024 by VBA featured six teams competing in eight stages at the Hồ Xuân Hương Gymnasium in HCM City. It was one of five qualifications of the 2024 3x3.EXE Premier League. Winners of the qualifiers will advance to the Premier Playoffs.

Saigon Heat players pose with their qualification ticket to the Premier Playoffs.

The champion of the Playoffs will advance to the 3x3.EXE Super Premier to be held early 2025. In addition, the top two teams of the Playoffs will compete at the FIBA 3x3 World Tour this October. VNS