Basketball

Anthony January (No 14) of Hanoi Buffaloes jumps to score in the match against Saigon Heat on August 22. The Buffaloes win 81-79. Photo of VBA

HÀ NỘI — Hanoi Buffaloes jumped to the top of the ranking after coming from behind to beat Saigon Heat 81-79 in the VBA's 54th match on August 22 in Hà Nội.

It was the first time the Buffaloes have topped the division this season. The capital city representative have won 13 and lost three, winning 81 per cent. The Heat dropped to second with 12 wins and three losses, winning 80 per cent of their matches.

It was also the first time the Heat have lost a game in 10 weeks. The Buffaloes are also the only club to beat the defending champion twice this season.

Despite playing on away ground, the Heat showed their strength from the beginning and earned the first points. 

Nguyễn Huỳnh Phú Vinh and Kentrell Barkley were unstoppable in the front line of the visitors as they helped the Heat lead 23-12.

For the hosts, Đinh Tiến Công entertained supporters with his successful shootings. Meanwhile, Anthony January mastered both attacking and stealing to make an outstanding point series, helping the Buffaloes narrow the score to 20-26.

In the second quarter, Barkley broke through the Buffaloes' left wing to add more points for the Heat.

Công and January continued scoring for the hosts which went ahead to lead 37-36 at the 4.40min left. 

Matt Van Pelt asked for a time-out for the Heat and the champions were back on track to gain their lead again at 50-42 before the interval.

Five minutes into the third quarter, defenders from both sides marshalled their hoop leading to only several successful shots. The Heat led 56-51.

When the best local player of the Buffaloes was rested after a hard fall, the Heat came back to manage the match and ended the quarter at 69-61.

In the fourth quarter, January and Đinh Thanh Tâm made their fans go crazy with their break-ins and great shots that push the Buffaloes ahead again at 80-79.

Both teams called for time-outs in the last 14 seconds. 

Thanh Tâm stole a ball and opened a threatening attack. He was fouled and the Buffaloes were awarded two free shots. Tâm succeeded once but it was enough to bring his team a win at 81-79.

January was Player of the Games with 27 points, 16 rebounds and three assists. 

“I am proud of what my teammates have done. I am happy for being here and fighting for the team," said January.

Next, the Buffaloes will play Cantho Catfish on August 25 while the Heat will face Thang Long Warriors two days later. VNS