Welcome to 3x3.EXE Premier Japan — Women’s Series.

Round 5 – Sendai Shifts the Balance as SANJO BEATERS.EXE Make Their Move

As the 3x3.EXE Premier Japan Women’s Series rolled into Sendai for Round 5, every team had one eye on the standings and the other on momentum. With all nine squads in action across three pools, this round marked a pivotal moment in the season, a final chance to establish rhythm before the push toward the final 3 rounds. The stakes were clear: win your pool or risk elimination. The result? A day filled with statement performances, clutch shot-making, and one unforgettable final.

UENOHARA SUNRISE.EXE continued their strong campaign with a dominant run to the final, while SANJO BEATERS.EXE grew stronger with every game, feeding off tough matchups and finding their identity in the knockout rounds. What began as a balanced field quickly sharpened into a battle of the elite. In the end, it was SANJO BEATERS.EXE who rose to the moment, edging out UENOHARA SUNRISE.EXE in a thrilling 20–19 finish and climbing into a share of second place on the overall ladder.

POOL A

  • UENOHARA SUNRISE.EXE - 310 EXE POINTS | 83% Winning% | 25.0 PPG
  • SHINSHU SAKU REGION.EXE - 220 EXE POINTS | 33% Winning% | 15.4 PPG
  • TAITO OWLS.EXE - 215 EXE POINTS | 25% Winning% | 17.3 PPG

MOMENT THAT MATTERED

Yoshitake’s Composure Pushes UENOHARA SUNRISE.EXE into the Semis

The final Pool A clash between UENOHARA SUNRISE.EXE and SHINSHU SAKU REGION.EXE carried high stakes, with the winner guaranteed a semi-final spot and the loser left hoping their point tally was enough to qualify as the best second-place finisher. With both teams showing early round form and defensive grit, the matchup promised intensity and it delivered.

UENOHARA SUNRISE.EXE took command early through the composed play of their backcourt, with Shinobu Yoshitake dictating tempo. Her slashing drives and confident pull-ups helped fuel a lightning 10–3 start, catching SHINSHU SAKU REGION.EXE on the back foot. Every possession saw SUNRISE.EXE probing, spacing the floor, and capitalising on mismatches to build an early buffer.

But SHINSHU SAKU REGION.EXE weren’t about to roll over. Led by Mizuki Kamiya, who buried crucial mid-range shots and found space inside, they clawed back momentum with a 7–2 run that brought the score within a single possession. Their revival forced UENOHARA SUNRISE.EXE to tighten up defensively, knowing one slip could shift the balance.

In the decisive stretch, Yoshitake once again stepped up. A composed floater followed by a sharp spin move in the paint sparked a 4–0 solo run that broke SHINSHU SAKU REGION.EXE’s rhythm and extended the lead to 17–11. From there, SUNRISE.EXE coasted to a 19–13 win, a result that not only secured top spot in Pool A but cruelly denied SHINSHU SAKU REGION.EXE a semi-final place by just a single point in the overall standings.

POOL A SCORES

  • Game 1 - UENOHARA SUNRISE.EXE (21) DefTAITO OWLS.EXE (15)
  • Game 2 - SHINSHU SAKU REGION.EXE (20) DefTAITO OWLS.EXE (18)
  • Game 3 - UENOHARA SUNRISE.EXE (19) Def SHINSHU SAKU REGION.EXE (13)

POOL A WINNER

UENOHARA SUNRISE.EXE

NOTABLE SCORERS

  • Shinobu Yoshitake (UENOHARA SUNRISE.EXE) – 6.0 | 57% FG%
  • Miori Ikeda (SHINSHU SAKU REGION.EXE) - 6.0 PPG | 50% - 1 PT FG%
  • Nozomi Suga (TAITO OWLS.EXE) - 6.5 | 50% FG%


POOL B

  • TOKYO VERDY.EXE - 250 EXE POINTS | 67% Winning% | 22.3 PPG
  • ECHAKE-NA NOTO.EXE - 220 EXE POINTS | 33% Winning% | 16.7 PPG
  • ST-KASUMI.EXE - 215 EXE POINTS | 50% Winning% | 19.0 PPG

MOMENT THAT MATTERED

Ohashi’s Ice-Cold Free Throws Sink TOKYO VERDY.EXE in Pool B Classic

The opening game in Pool B brought immediate drama, as TOKYO VERDY.EXE and ST-KASUMI.EXE renewed their rivalry in a high-stakes rematch. Their only previous encounter this season ended in a one-point thriller favouring TOKYO VERDY.EXE back in Round 1, and from the opening possession in Sendai, it was clear this one would be just as tight.

Trading blows in a physical, fast-paced battle, neither side was able to break away. Mini scoring runs were quickly countered, and neither team could build more than a two-point cushion at any stage. The game was played with playoff-like urgency, full of quick ball movement, strong rebounding, and end-to-end transition sequences.

With the score locked at 14–14 and just over a minute left, TOKYO VERDY.EXE edged ahead thanks to a perfectly timed lob pass that found Yuki Noguchi under the basket for the finish. That one-point lead looked like it might hold, as both defences dug in and closed off every look at the rim. But a late rebound scramble with just seconds left saw ST-KASUMI.EXE earn a crucial foul under the basket.

Already over the foul limit, TOKYO VERDY.EXE could only watch as ST-KASUMI.EXE’s Ohashi Kanako stepped to the line with the game on the line. Calm under pressure, she converted both free throws, sealing a 16–15 victory and flipping the result from their previous meeting. For ST-KASUMI.EXE, it was a moment of poise and revenge and a critical step toward their semi-final campaign.

POOL B SCORES

  • Game 1 - ST-KASUMI.EXE (16) Def TOKYO VERDY.EXE (15)
  • Game 2 - ECHAKE-NA NOTO.EXE (17) Def ST-KASUMI.EXE (15)
  • Game 3 - TOKYO VERDY.EXE (21) Def ECHAKE-NA NOTO.EXE (15)

POOL B WINNER

TOKYO VERDY.EXE

NOTABLE SCORERS

  • Ohashi Kanako (ST-KASUMI.EXE) – 7.0 |34% FG%
  • Ikeda Tomomi (ECHAKE-NA NOTO.EXE) - 8.0 PPG | 50% FG %
  • Ayami Saito (TOKYO VERDY.EXE) - 6.7 PPG | 67% FG%

POOL C

  • FLOWLISH GUNMA.EXE - 300 EXE POINTS | 82% Winning% | 24.4 PPG
  • SANJO BEATERS.EXE - 260 EXE POINTS | 50% Winning% | 25.0 PPG
  • TONO VALKYRIES.EXE - 200 EXE POINTS | 0% Winning% | 15.6 PPG

MOMENT THAT MATTERED

Momentum Shift Defines Rivalry as SANJO BEATERS.EXE Win Pool C Clash

The opening game in Pool C featured a familiar rivalry with high stakes, as second-placed FLOWLISH GUNMA.EXE met third-placed SANJO BEATERS.EXE for the third time this season. With the head-to-head series tied at one apiece, this clash was about more than just EXE Points, it was about pride and playoff momentum.

SANJO BEATERS.EXE came out of the gates firing, driven by the energy and aggression of Midori Kanazawa and Sakura Hisai. Their dynamic play sparked a 7–2 run in the opening minutes, putting FLOWLISH GUNMA.EXE on the back foot and forcing them into an early tactical adjustment. The BEATERS’ high-pressure defence denied rhythm on the perimeter and stifled Gunma’s usual inside looks.

But FLOWLISH GUNMA.EXE responded with composure. Guided by the floor leadership of Karen Ito and the shot-making of Maho Mitsugi, they chipped away at the lead and drew level at 10–10. For a brief stretch, the game hung delicately in the balance, a testament to how evenly matched these two teams are across the season.

Then came the burst that changed everything. With three and a half minutes remaining, Yunoka Takase drilled a deep two-pointer to swing momentum back to SANJO BEATERS.EXE. From there, Kanazawa took control, scoring back-to-back driving layups that put the game out of reach. Despite creating good looks, FLOWLISH GUNMA.EXE couldn’t convert, going scoreless over the next two minutes ,it was that drought that allowed SANJO BEATERS.EXE to seize a crucial 17–12 victory and the upper hand in their season series.

POOL C SCORES

  • SANJO BEATERS.EXE (18) Def FLOWLISH GUNMA.EXE (13)
  • FLOWLISH GUNMA.EXE (21) Def TONO VALKYRIES.EXE (11)
  • SANJO BEATERS.EXE (21) Def TONO VALKYRIES.EXE (12)

POOL C WINNER

SANJO BEATERS.EXE

2 Wins, 19.5 PPG, Winning Margin 4.5 PPG

NOTABLE SCORERS

  • Maho Mitsugi (FLOWLISH GUNMA.EXE) – 9.0 |30% -2Pt FG%
  • Midori Kanazawa (SANJO BEATERS.EXE) – 6.5 PPG | 53% FG%
  • Sae Oyama (TONO VALKYRIES.EXE) - 6.0 PPG | 43% FG%

Semi Final 1

UENOHARA SUNRISE.EXE vs FLOWLISH GUNMA.EXE

UENOHARA SUNRISE.EXE Surge Past FLOLISH GUNMA.EXE to Book Spot in Final

In a marquee matchup that featured the top two ranked sides of the competition, UENOHARA SUNRISE.EXE and FLOWLISH GUNMA.EXE stepped into the first semi-final with a chance to set the tone for the second half of the season. With both teams showing consistency and strong identity throughout the opening rounds, the Sendai crowd was treated to a high-level clash that delivered moments of brilliance and a clear reminder of why UENOHARA SUNRISE.EXE remain title favourites.

FLOWLISH GUNMA.EXE wasted no time stamping their authority early. Maho Mitsugi opened the scoring with a clean two-pointer on their very first possession, and followed it up by threading a sharp assist to Mina Ohashi for an easy finish. It was a fluid and confident start from a side that looked ready to dictate the pace.

UENOHARA SUNRISE.EXE responded quickly through Tanaka Makoto, who muscled in a tough layup within the first minute. What followed was a back-and-forth exchange that saw each team trading punches. Mitsugi continued to orchestrate for FLOWLISH GUNMA.EXE, while Kiri Endo took the reins for UENOHARA SUNRISE.EXE, showcasing her versatility with a layup, a two-pointer, and a pinpoint assist. After three minutes, the scoreboard reflected the deadlock, in which the intensity only grew from there.

UENOHARA SUNRISE.EXE began to settle into a rhythm through sharp off-ball movement and decisive passing. Tanaka, benefitting from well-set screens and smart cuts, found herself with clear lanes to the basket and capitalised three times in quick succession. That flurry helped push UENOHARA SUNRISE.EXE out to a 9–6 lead by the midway point of the game.

Coming out of the timeout, Endo again made her presence felt, driving hard to the basket and finishing through contact. A free throw from Tanaka extended the margin, and it felt like UENOHARA SUNRISE.EXE were beginning to tilt the game firmly in their direction. FLOWLISH GUNMA.EXE looked for answers, but scoring opportunities started to dry up.

Eventually, Mitsugi stopped the drought with a wing two-pointer, providing some brief relief and halting UENOHARA SUNRISE.EXE’s run. But just as quickly, Tanaka and Shinobu Yoshitake answered with a trio of layups, stretching the lead to 14–8 with under three minutes to play. The combination of defensive hustle and efficient finishing began to wear down Gunma’s resolve.

Yoshitake delivered what felt like the dagger, a deep two from the top of the arc that pushed the lead even further. Though Mitsugi did bank in a desperation shot to beat the shot clock, the body language from FLOWLISH GUNMA.EXE told the story: the comeback was slipping away. A couple of free throws and another composed layup from UENOHARA SUNRISE.EXE brought them within reach of the 21-point cap.

Despite a late bucket from Mitsugi and a final two from Karen Ito, FLOWLISH GUNMA.EXE couldn’t stem the tide. Fittingly, Tanaka closed the game with back-to-back finishes at the rim, sealing a commanding 21–14 victory and punching UENOHARA SUNRISE.EXE’s ticket to the final with a performance that was both clinical and composed.

UENOHARA SUNRISE.EXE (21) Def FLOWLISH GUNMA.EXE (14)

Semi Final 2

SANJO BEATERS.EXE vs TOKYO VERDY.EXE

SANJO BEATERS.EXE Survive TOKYO VERDY.EXE’s Final Push in 20–19 Thriller

The second semi-final brought together two of the most evenly matched squads in the competition. SANJO BEATERS.EXE and TOKYO VERDY.EXE entered the game separated by just 10 EXE Points in the standings, and both were hungry to prove they belonged among the elite as the season’s second half approached. The result was a gripping contest that swung on fine margins and stayed in doubt until the very last second.

SANJO BEATERS.EXE wasted no time asserting themselves, with three different players getting on the board in the opening minute through aggressive cuts and finishes at the rim. But TOKYO VERDY.EXE stayed composed, led by Ayami Saito, who muscled in an and-one to steady the early nerves and kickstart their own offensive rhythm.

Saito followed it up moments later with a clean two-pointer from the left wing, helping spark a 4–0 run. Rua Tsubouchi, wearing her trademark face mask, reminded everyone why she was Round 4’s MVP — weaving into the lane for a strong drive and finding Yuki Noguchi on a clever backdoor cut to add to TOKYO VERDY.EXE’s momentum.

Just as TOKYO VERDY.EXE threatened to pull away, Midori Kanazawa answered with a composed two-pointer from the left wing, tying the game and sending a message that SANJO BEATERS.EXE weren’t going anywhere. The semi-final was officially on.

What followed was a captivating stretch of basketball. Both sides traded and-one conversions, Noguchi finishing through contact for TOKYO VERDY.EXE and Sakura Hisai responding at the other end for SANJO BEATERS.EXE, with the scoreboard locked at 11–10 in TOKYO VERDY.EXE’s favour heading into the midway timeout. Each team was executing at a high level, with sharp passing and fearless shot selection on display.

Coming out of the break, SANJO BEATERS.EXE’s ball movement came to life. Kanazawa delivered a no-look pass to a cutting Hisai, only for Noguchi to counter with a step-back two. Not to be outdone, Yunoka Takase drilled a two-pointer of her own, tying the game once more at 13–13 and keeping fans on edge.

TOKYO VERDY.EXE momentarily regained the lead thanks to a perfectly timed pass from Noguchi to Yuko Masaki, followed by another powerful and-one finish by Saito that created a three-point gap. But SANJO BEATERS.EXE weren’t done. Kanazawa finished a tough layup, then assisted Takase, who drew contact and converted another and-one to lock the scores once again with two minutes remaining.

With the game still in the balance, Saito and Kanazawa traded crucial layups before SANJO BEATERS.EXE finally found their edge. Consecutive baskets by Takase and Hisai nudged them ahead 19–17. Despite missed chances to seal it, SANJO BEATERS.EXE’s defence held firm. Then, with 20 seconds left, Akari Takeuchi delivered the game’s defining moment , an isolation drive that brought SANJO BEATERS.EXE to the brink of victory. A last-second heave from Masaki banked in to make it 20–19, but the clock had expired, and SANJO BEATERS.EXE advanced to the final in the most dramatic fashion.hitting zero and Sanjo holding on 20-19 victors in the second semi final.

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SANJO BEATERS.EXE (20) Def TOKYO VERDY.EXE (19)

Round 3 Grand Final

UENOHARA SUNRISE.EXE vs SANJO BEATERS.EXE

Kanazawa’s Late-Game Heroics Lift SANJO BEATERS.EXE to Title Glory

The Round 5 final in Sendai featured the two remaining unbeaten teams. UENOHARA SUNRISE.EXE and SANJO BEATERS.EXE, each aiming to stamp their dominance at the midpoint of the season. It was their third meeting this year, and with UENOHARA SUNRISE.EXE having claimed victory in the previous two, SANJO BEATERS.EXE entered this clash fuelled by a desire to rewrite the narrative.

All eyes were on the matchup between Kiri Endo of UENOHARA SUNRISE.EXE and Midori Kanazawa of SANJO BEATERS.EXE, two players who had carried their teams in critical moments throughout the day. The opening exchanges delivered exactly the kind of tension fans expected. Niina Ishida drilled a two-pointer from the left wing to open the scoring for UENOHARA SUNRISE.EXE, while Yunoka Takase got SANJO BEATERS.EXE on the board from the free-throw line.

Endo continued to set the tone for UENOHARA SUNRISE.EXE, scoring from deep and following it up with a gritty finish at the rim. Kanazawa responded in kind, powering through the lane for a layup, keeping the pressure dialled up. Despite back-to-back scores from Endo and Ishida, SANJO BEATERS.EXE stayed within striking distance thanks to two more composed finishes from Kanazawa.

The game began to tilt slightly in UENOHARA SUNRISE.EXE’s favour as their movement off the ball created clean looks. Two more layups extended the lead, giving them a five-point buffer. But just as the gap threatened to widen, SANJO BEATERS.EXE swung momentum back, Takase finished through contact, and Hisai buried a two-pointer to bring the score within two.

Kanazawa tied the game with a wide-open drive, but Tanaka Makoto quickly countered, giving UENOHARA SUNRISE.EXE a narrow 11–10 lead heading into the midgame timeout. As the second half unfolded, both teams remained committed to attacking the paint. Endo and Kanazawa continued trading body blows, each finding seams in the defence as the game crept toward another late-game classic.

With the score locked at 15–15 and little over a minute remaining, Ishida ran a perfectly timed pick-and-roll, setting up Tanaka under the basket to edge UENOHARA SUNRISE.EXE ahead. But SANJO BEATERS.EXE answered immediately, Akari Takeuchi hit an off-balance two-pointer, flipping the lead, and moments later, a broken play saw the ball deflect into Kanazawa’s hands in the corner. With space and time, she launched from deep and connected, putting SANJO BEATERS.EXE up 20–17.

Tanaka once again trimmed the margin with another finish inside, and though UENOHARA SUNRISE.EXE tried to force a turnover, time was no longer on their side. Endo drove to the basket with five seconds left and scored to make it a one-point game, but SANJO BEATERS.EXE secured the rebound on the final possession and ran out the clock, sealing a thrilling 20–19 win and their first title of the 2025 season.

With the win, SANJO BEATERS.EXE not only broke their losing streak against UENOHARA SUNRISE.EXE but also climbed the standings to draw level with FLOWLISH GUNMA.EXE in second place on the 3x3.EXE Women’s ladder — a fitting reward for a day of composed execution and relentless belief.

SANJO BEATERS.EXE (19) Def UENOHARA SUNRISE.EXE (18)

🏆 MVP – Midori Kanazawa (SANJO BEATERS.EXE)

6.5 PPG | 42% - 2Pt FG% | 53% FG%

When SANJO BEATERS.EXE needed composure, creativity, and scoring punch, Midori Kanazawa delivered on every front. Across Round 5, Kanazawa was the heartbeat of her squad, setting the tone with her ability to score in traffic, read defensive rotations, and connect from deep in critical moments. Her versatility was on full display in the Grand Final, where she matched UENOHARA SUNRISE.EXE shot for shot, then hit the game-sealing two-pointer in the dying minutes to secure the title.

Kanazawa finished the day averaging 6.5 points per game on 53% shooting from the field and a sharp 42% from two-point range. But beyond the numbers, it was her poise in high-pressure moments and her leadership through the team’s comeback efforts that separated her from the field. In a round full of standout performances, Kanazawa rose above, and with it, brought SANJO BEATERS.EXE their most important win of the season so far.

Final Standings

Links

FIBA 3x3 Event PageFIBA 3x3 Event Link
YouTube LinkYoutube Link - Women's
3x3.EXE Standings3x3.EXE Standings
3x3.EXE Schedule3x3.EXE Schedule

Written by Andrew Cannings