Hassan Thomas (blue shirt) had a double-double with 27 points, ten rebounds to lead the Buffaloes get the first win at home. Photo courtesy of VBA

HÀ NỘI - The second phrase of the VBA 2024 has officially begun, with most of the matches taking place at Tây Hồ Gymnasium - home of the Buffaloes.

In their first home game, the team from the capital won against the Nha Trang Dolphins by a score of 85-83.

However, the away team started the game with three consecutive three-pointers by Joe Mvuezolo within the first three minutes. Local MVP of 2023 Huỳnh Vĩnh Quang continued to shine beyond the three-point line, and the guests took the lead of 29-20 after the first quarter.

Entering the second quarter, Dominique Tham's dynamism helped the Dolphins dominate the paint area.

No one on the home team's lineup could match the Vietnamese-American's physicality, which allowed Tham to continuously make three-point plays

The constant pressure from the defending runners-up helped them lead 56-42 before the break.

However, the away team lost all their advantage after the break. The cheers from the stands and the improved play of the Buffaloes players caused the Dolphins to lose their rhythm of play and make many turnovers.

In the last 30 seconds of the third quarter, the Buffaloes took the lead with a score of 70-68.

In the fourth quarter, the away team encountered difficulties when Tham fouled out in the fifth minute.

Without the Vietnamese star, the beach city team still fought back strongly to keep the gap from exceeding five points.

However, the home team still held the advantage in points until the end of the match and brought home their first victory at home.

Hassan Thomas, the leader of the Buffaloes comeback, was named Player of the Game with 27 points, ten rebounds and four assists.

After the victory, the Buffaloes took second place in the standings with five wins and three losses, while the Dolphins dropped to fourth place with four wins and four losses.

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