Basketball

98 Dreamers players celebrate their Đà Nẵng Basketball Championship victory after beating X-BDC 89-77 in the final match in Đà Nẵng. — Photos of New Sports

ĐÀ NẴNG — The 98 Dreamers defeated X-BDC with a score of 89-77 to clinch the 2024 Đà Nẵng Basketball Championship brought by VNPay. Both teams have now secured their spots in the Việt Nam ProAm Basketball Championship (VBC) scheduled for later this year.

The Dreamers stormed into the final match after showcasing their outstanding performance during the six-day tournament at the Sơn Trà District’s Sports Training Centre in Đà Nẵng.

They dominated from the outset in the VNĐ50 million finale.

Michael Soy and Muhlen Van Gerhard were unstoppable. Together, they scored and created a significant lead of 18 points for the Dreamers, resulting in a 30-12 advantage at the end of the first quarter.

Despite facing strong resistance from X-BDC, the Dreamers maintained their dominance in the next two quarters. The score gradually narrowed to 54-42 in the second quarter and 74-56 in the third, but there was still a substantial gap between the two teams.

X-BDC could only fight back strongly near the end of the last quarter with Nguyễn Đường Quang Anh and Lương Trung Khoa stole the show with series of points for their side.

It was 80-71 for the Dreamers when it was about three minute left.

Michael Soy (right) in action during the final match. He is voted the MVP of the match and the tournament.

Despite their best efforts, X-BDC ultimately faced a final defeat with a score of 89-77. Meanwhile, The Dreamers successfully defended their title, and their player, Soy, was voted the MVP of the tournament.

Earlier, Đà Nẵng's U18 team took the bronze medal after coming from behind to beat Cố Đô 99-97 in the third-placed playoff.

The Đà Nẵng Basketball Championship, of the VBC's three regional qualifications, was jointly organised by New Sports and VTVcab.

The Dreamers and X-BDC will be two of eight teams to compete in the VBC final with the schedule and competition venue being confirmed later. —VNS