With their bags nearly packed, the Vietnam 3×3 basketball team pulled off a stunning 21–15 upset over Thailand to secure a spot in the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup 2025 main draw. In an emotionally charged victory, Livescore breaks down how the impossible became real.
Vietnam Clutching Hope, Seizes Last-Minute Ticket to the Main Stage
Written off by many, Vietnam proved doubters wrong with a performance for the ages.
One Game, One Shot, One Dream
Coming off a narrow loss to Turkmenistan and watching their rivals dominate New Caledonia earlier in the day, the Vietnamese team entered their final qualifier against Thailand with their backs against the wall.
To move on, they had to do more than just win—they had to win by at least five points. Against a tall, physical Thai side, it felt like an impossible ask.
But in sports, belief often defies logic.
The Stars Align: Chris Dierker and Justin Young Deliver Heroics
Great players rise under pressure—and Vietnam’s core delivered when it mattered most.
Chris Dierker Ignites the Offense
In a match where every shot counted, Chris Dierker (Đặng Quý Kiệt) led the way with 10 points, including four two-pointers that turned the game on its head.
Nicknamed the “Silent Sniper,” Dierker found his rhythm and caught fire, breaking Thai defensive schemes and lifting the Vietnamese spirit with every swish from beyond the arc.
Justin Young Shifts Momentum
Early in the game, Vietnam struggled with rebounds and allowed Thailand to control the tempo. But Justin Young (Dương Vĩnh Luân) hit a crucial two-pointer to level the momentum.
From there, the tide turned. Young finished with 5 points, and his emotional leadership anchored the comeback.
Stat Breakdown: Vietnam’s All-Out Assault
A look at the game-changing numbers from this historic performance.
| Player | Points | Two-pointers | Free Throws |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Dierker | 10 | 4 | 2 |
| Justin Young | 5 | 1 | – |
| Khoa Tran | 4 | – | – |
| Tam Dinh | 2 | – | – |
Team Total: 21 Points, 6-Point Victory
The 21–15 result not only gave Vietnam the win—it gave them exactly the margin they needed to top Group D and advance to the main tournament.
Livescore Tracks Every Bounce in Vietnam’s 3×3 Journey
From buzzer to glory, Livescore is your ultimate source for Vietnam’s FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup run.
Track:
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Live scores & match stats
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Player performance ratings
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Game recaps and expert analysis
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Highlights and emotional moments
As the team moves forward to face Qatar and New Zealand in Group D of the main stage, Livescore will keep fans updated with every second of action.
Vietnam’s Road to Glory Continues: Qatar and New Zealand Await
The celebration ends, and the real battle begins.
New Opponents, New Pressure
Vietnam now enters the main draw of the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup, facing two formidable opponents:
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Qatar – Tall, physical, and well-drilled in international competitions
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New Zealand – Agile, experienced, and tactically sharp
With the next stage beginning March 28, the Vietnamese squad must reset and prepare for a different level of competition—but they’ve already proven they belong.
Vietnamese Women’s Team Also Makes History
It’s not just the men. Vietnam’s women are also making waves.
Earlier the same day, the Vietnamese women’s 3×3 team, led by the Trương Twins, crushed Kazakhstan to finish the qualifiers undefeated.
For the first time in history, both Vietnam’s men’s and women’s teams have qualified for the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup main draw—a monumental achievement that speaks volumes about the country’s rising basketball stature.
❓ FAQ – Everything You Need to Know About Vietnam’s 3×3 Triumph
1. Who led the scoring for Vietnam in the win over Thailand?
Chris Dierker led all scorers with 10 points, including four two-pointers and two free throws.
2. What did Vietnam need to qualify for the main draw?
They had to beat Thailand by at least 5 points. The final score of 21–15 (6-point margin) gave them the top spot in Group D.
3. Who are Vietnam’s opponents in the main stage?
Vietnam has been placed in Group D of the main tournament alongside Qatar and New Zealand.
4. When does the next round of matches start?
Vietnam’s main stage matches begin on March 28, 2025, as part of the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup schedule.
5. Where can I follow the team’s progress live?
Livescore offers real-time match coverage, player stats, highlight clips, and post-game analysis for all FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup fixtures.
❤️ Conclusion: Vietnam’s 3×3 Team Rewrites the Script
No one expected them to qualify. Few gave them a chance. But the Vietnam 3×3 basketball team has proven that with belief, preparation, and explosive execution, even the unlikeliest stories can come true.
Chris Dierker’s hot hand, Justin Young’s leadership, and the collective heart of the team turned a near-elimination moment into an unforgettable comeback.
This is more than a basketball win—it’s a statement. Vietnam belongs on the Asian stage.
And with Livescore basketball following every pass, block, and bucket—you won’t miss a second of the journey.