Defending champions Thang Long Warriors vs Saigon Heat at the VBA League on July 1. — VBA Photo |
HÀ NỘI — Defending champions Thang Long Warriors came from behind to beat Saigon Heat 69-57 in the Việt Nam Basketball Association (VBA) League on Sunday.
Despite playing away at the raucous Hà Nội University of Education gymnasium, the Heat started strong, opening up a 15-9 lead in the first quarter, thanks to eight points from Trần Đăng Khoa and Dư Minh An with five.
The home team battled back however, with Predrag Lukic’s charges cutting the lead to 27-26 going into the half.
Hồng Gia Lân and Tim Waale helped the Heat open up a lead in the next period at 44-36 with under a minute to go. However, Jaywuan Hill and Tô Quang Trung poured in six points in only 58 seconds, helping the capital side pull within two points at 44-42.
In the last quarter, the visitors faded, while the Warriors’ only grew in strength, scoring 27 in the last 10 minutes to secure a nice 69-57 victory.
American Hill was the MVP of the game, with 22 points, 14 rebounds and three assists.
In other games, led by Tâm Đinh, De Angelo Hamilton and Nguyễn Phú Hoàng, Cantho Catfish crushed HCM City Wings 104-77 at Hồ Xuân Hương Gymnasium in HCM City.
The Heat will next face Danang Dragons on July 3, while the Warriors will face the Catfish on July 5. — VNS
Cantho Catfish vs HCM City Wings 104-77 at the VBA League on July 1. — VBA Photo |