Basketball

Kentrell Barkley of Saigon Heat soars high to score during a VBA match between the Saigon Heat and Danang Dragons. The Heat won 97-91. — Photo courtesy of VBA

HÀ NỘI — The Saigon Heat enjoyed their second VBA win after beating the Danang Dragons 97-91 in the tournament's fifth match on June 14 in Hà Nội.

Nguyễn Huỳnh Phú Vinh and Kentrell Barkley were the highlights in the Heat's performance while Jermaine Marrow and Yevgen Sakhniuk had impressive performances for the Dragons.

Barkley bagged 26 points and 10 rebounds after two quarters, disappointing Dragons' defenders despite their effort.

However, the forwards for the Dragons worked really well with successful shots that helped the team, which finished at the bottom last season, to maintain a small gap of 50-45 at half time.

In the third and fourth quarters, Marrow made spectators go wild with his excellent skills and many three-pointers to push the Dragons back in the game. Last year's VBA three-pointer record holder helped tie the score at 84-84.

'Black panther' Nguyễn Anh Kiệt impressed people with his rapid speed and accurate shots to help the Dragons take the lead for the first time at 86-84 when there was two minutes left.

The Heat immediately called time out. A quick discussion with the coaching board pulled the players back on track.

Taking advantage as the Dragons' guard Sakhniuk was out after five personal fouls, the Heat opened consecutive attacks and met no difficulty to level the score at 89-89.

It was time for Vinh to shine. His perfect clutch shot brought three points for the Heat. Inspired by his teammate, Barkley showed off his personal technique, leaving the Dragons' players behind before adding two more points for the Heat, which went on to win 97-91.

With the second win, the Heat stand at the top of the rankings while it was the Dragons' second loss, keeping them at the bottom.

Barkley was the best player of the match with 42 points, 18 rebounds and six assists.

Marrow placed second with 34 points.

The Heat next play the HCM City Wings on June 18 while the Dragons will seek their first win against the Hanoi Buffaloes one day earlier. — VNS