SEA Games

Bùi Thu Hằng (No 25) of Việt Nam prepares to shoot during a match with Indonesia in the women's basketball tournament of the 32nd SEA Games on May 9. — Photo of VBA

HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam's women's team was defeated 62-67 by Indonesia in their opening match of 5x5 basketball at the 32nd SEA Games on May 9 in Phnom Penh.

Indonesia showed good preparation for the match as they defended their basket well, stopping many attempts from the Vietnamese side. Indonesia maintained their lead from early on through the first two periods and in the third period, Kimberley Pierre-Louis continued to be a star for Indonesia.

But Việt Nam's Bùi Thu Hằng found her rhythm, and together with the Trương twins and Nguyễn Thị Tiểu Duy – the trio who won the 3x3 basketball title on May 7 – led a comeback for Việt Nam.

Trương Thảo Vy's accurate two-pointers helped Việt Nam level the score before taking the lead at 45-43.

However, in the fourth period, Vy suffered a head injury and was unexpectedly sidelined. Her absence left a big hole for Việt Nam's team. Indonesia levelled the score and went ahead.

Trương Thảo Vy suffers head injury, making Việt Nam weaker in attacks before losing 62-67 to Indonesia.

After being taken care of, Vy was back in action but it was too late for. Pierre-Louis led her team to a 62-67 victory.

Việt Nam will next play Thailand on May 11.

There are seven teams taking part in the 5x5 basketball event from May 9-16 at the Morodok Techo Sports Complex. They will play in a round robin competition, and the team with the most points will walk away with the gold.

On the men's side, Việt Nam are in Group B. They begin their medal hunt against Thailand on May 10, then Indonesia on May 12 and Laos two days later. — VNS