Cantho Catfish vs Saigon Heat in the first game of the playoffs round of the VBA League at Hồ Xuân Hương Gymnasium in HCM City on November 8. — Photo VBA |
HÀ NỘI — Cantho Catfish defeated Saigon Heat 85-80 in the first game of the playoffs round of the Việt Nam Basketball Association (VBA) League at Hồ Xuân Hương Gymnasium in HCM City on November 8.
Thanks to the support of fans on home turf, the Heat quickly dominated the game in the first period, although the Catfish scored first. With great performances of Darius Lewis and David Arnold, the Heat bounced back to lead 24-16. Lewis alone scored 10 points, while Arnold scored six points.
In the second period, the Catfish proved they weren’t easy to beat. De Angelo Hamilton scored 11 points. Notably, in just the last four seconds, Hamilton had four points. He helped the Catfish finish the second quarter at 41-34.
Seeing Hamilton’s wonderful performance, the Heat blocked him in the next period, due to which Hamilton wasn’t able to score any points. The hosts also made quick attacks to lead 59-53.
The two sides made every effort for a final win. They scored points continuously and the fourth quarter ended in a draw — 74-74.
In overtime, fans of the Heat jumped for joy as their team scored five points in a row to lead 79-74. However, the visiting side then showed their might with 11 points to win 85-80.
Center Hamilton of the Catfish won the MVP award with 31 points, 22 rebounds and six blocks.
The Heat will face the Catfish again on November 11. — VNS