Basketball

Keyes Joshua Aaron of 3F Galaxy (No 14) tries to score during the match between 3F Galaxy and Phòng Không Không Quân in Hà Nội. VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — 3F Galaxy proved themselves a title candidate after storming to victory against Phòng Không Không Quân 83-72 in the opening match of the Vietnam Pro-Am Basketball Championship (VBC) 2023 by VNPAY on October 6 in Hà Nội.

The 3F, featuring a number of professional players who competed at the Vietnam Basketball Association league, stole the show from the beginning with their scoring runs and successful blocks against Phòng Không Không Quân. They took lead of 24-9 after the first quarter.

Despite having VBA players in their line-up, Phòng Không Không Quân were not strong enough to create threatening attempts and defend their basket.

The second quarter continued belonging to the 3F at 49-22.

The interval time seemed not helpful for Phòng Không Không Quân who was struggling to prevent 3F from scoring. It was 67-40 for the title favourite.

In the last quarter, key players of the 3F rested to give game time for their substitutes. 

The situation became balanced and Phòng Không Không Quân could earn more points. But time was not enough for them to secure a draw. The 3F walked away with a 83-72 and their forward Keyes Joshua Aaron who recorded 24 points, seven rebounds and four assists was the MVP.

In other matches, Hidden Dragons beat 98's Basketball 67 - 59; Bảo Lộc United bounced back to win 70-64 over Hà Nội and Next Level trounced Basket Sags 75-57.

The first VBC features eight amateur teams competing in a double-elimination competition with a total of VNĐ300 million (US$12,300) up for grabs.

Teams are divided into two groups, competing in round robin format. The top two teams of each group will advance to the upper bracket while the bottom two will go to lower bracket.

The final will be a clash of the two brackets' winners.

The champions will receive VNĐ140 million. Two runners-up will take VNĐ80 million and VNĐ40 million, respectively.

The MVP of the tournament will walk away with VNĐ40 million.

"I am a basketball lover. I had a dream that amateur players like me will have opportunities to compete against pro and foreign players on the big stage with strong support," said Tô Duy, head of the organising board, at the opening ceremony.

"At the same time I expect all supporters can watch their favourite players in person at competition venues.

"I am happy that today we are here to enjoy the first VBC which is a tournament made from the community's effort for the community's benefit.

"Thanks everyone, players, friends and sponsors. Hope that our tournament will be successful event." VNS