Basketball

Đinh Thanh Tâm of Hanoi Buffaloes (left) shines in the team's 86-72 win over Cantho Catfish on June 13 in Hà Nội. Photo courtesy of VBA

HÀ NỘI — The Hanoi Buffaloes came from behind to beat the Cantho Catfish 86-72 in their second match of the Vietnam Pro Basketball league (VBA) on June 13 in Hà Nội.

It was the Buffaloes' second game after a loss in the opener to Saigon Heat on June 10 at Cầu Giấy Gymnasium. Meanwhile, the Catfish played their first game of the season.

Having more time to practise and rest, the Catfish were full of energy and quickly dominated the first quarter, leading 16-5 after the first seven minutes.

Coach Erik Rashad asked the Buffaloes to strengthen their defence while opening more attacks after the unexpected beginning.

Anthony January and Russell Smith became the key players of the 2022 VBA's runner-up. They took turns scoring points and helped the Buffaloes to narrow the gap to 19-14 before the break.

The second quarter still belonged to the Catfish as heritage player Michael Soy and foreigner De Angelo Hamilton poured in buckets. They maintained their lead of 41-36.

However, the third and fourth quarters saw an outstanding performance from Tâm Đinh, captain of the national team at the 32nd SEA Games.

He pushed the team and was the master in both attack and defence. Nguyễn Tiến Dương also played an important role in scoring and assisting in the Buffaloes' attacks.

The strong effort by Ja Morgan also pushed the Buffaloes ahead. They levelled the score before wrapping up the match at 86-72.

January, with 22 points and 21 rebounds, was awarded Player of the Game.

Russell Smith completed a double-double with 20 points and 13 rebounds.

Tâm Đinh scored 22 points along with six rebounds, four assists and two steals.

Hamilton of the Catfish was the best scorer of the Catfish with 22 points, nine rebounds and three assists.

The next VBA games will be between defending champion Saigon Heat and Danang Dragons.

Meanwhile, the Catfish will rest two days before their match with the Nha Trang Dolphins on June 16. The Buffaloes will see the Danang Dragons a day later. VNS