Basketball

Trần Quảng Hà of Hà Nội (left) tries to pass Trần Đức Luân of Quảng Ninh during the Hà Nội Basketball Open's second semi-final match. Hà Nội won 58-47. Photos courtesy of organisers

HÀ NỘI — Thanh Hóa will meet Hà Nội in the final of the Hà Nội Basketball Open tonight after two thrilling semi-final matches on July 13 at the Cầu Giấy Gymnasium.

In the first semis, Thanh Hóa, a regular face in the last four rounds, played Nghệ An who entered this round for the first time.

Despite fresh faces, Nghệ An was not easily beaten, setting up an aggressive battle in the first two quarters.

However, it was Thanh Hóa's day. The outstanding performance of trio Cao Minh Đức, Tuấn Huy, and Lê Dũng helped Thanh Hóa gradually dominate the game and leave Nghệ An far behind in the next quarter.

Nghệ An tried their best to narrow the score but Thanh Hóa wrapped up the match at 67-61 to advance to the final for the fifth time in a row.

Supporters at the Cầu Giấy Gymnasium cheered at a performance during the semi-finals of the Hà Nội Basketball Open.

In the second game of the semis, the hosts faced a determined Quảng Ninh, who had secured a semi-final slot for the first time. 

Hà Nội threatened Quảng Ninh with an incredible point run to lead 16-2 in the first minutes. Their forwards worked well and their defenders denied Quảng Ninh opportunities to score.

Coach Xuân Quốc rearranged his line-up and Quảng Ninh fought back. Tống Hoàng Nam and Khúc Bùi Nguyên Hoàng proved their quality and helped the team to catch up with Hà Nội. But their effort could only narrow the result to 58-47 at the end.

However, Quảng Ninh was the first team in this tournament to prevent Hà Nội from reaching the mark of 60 points.

Hà Nội will play Thanh Hóa for the gold medal while Quảng Ninh will face Nghệ An for the bronze on July 15.

All matches will be aired live on VTVcab channels and the fanpage Bóng Rổ Miền Bắc. VNS