Captain Nguyễn Phú Hoàng of Hà Nội helped his team win the Northern Region  Basketball Open without a loss. Photo of organisers

HÀ NỘI — Hà Nội won the Northern Region Basketball Open on July 15 finishing unbeaten in the tournament at the Cầu Giấy Gymnasium.

The host side under the leadership of Nguyễn Phú Hoàng defeated Thanh Hóa 87-56 in the final match.

The game was in balance in the first quarter with both sides matching each other point for point.

But it was Hà Nội, with strong home support, who dominated in the second quarter. 

Hà Nội quickly ran away with the lead, making Thanh Hóa work hard. While Thanh Hóa forwards struggled to pick up points, the hosts easily raised the score whenever they had the ball.

Captain Hoàng proved his experience in the VBA, the national professional basketball league, before he retired months ago. He played key role in Hà Nội's front line and scored 25 points, four rebounds and four steals, which made him the MVP in the final.

After half time that finished with Hà Nội leading 43-34, Thanh Hóa could only add 13 more points. Hà Nội, on the other hand, took it easy but whenever they attacked they scored to extend their huge lead.

It was the fifth final in a row that Hà Nội beat Thanh Hóa to lift the trophy.

Captain Hoàng was also voted the best player in the competition.

In the earlier match, Quảng Ninh beat Nghệ An 69-66 to take the bronze medal. 

Quảng Ninh also received two sideline awards, Fans of the League and Favourite Team of the Open. VNS