HÀ NỘI — Lê Ngọc Tú’s record-breaking performance led the Hanoi Buffaloes to a 72-65 victory over the Saigon Heat in the Việt Nam Basketball Association (VBA) League on Sunday at CIS Arena in HCM City.

Tú dropped 33 points to become the highest scoring domestic player in a VBA game and win the game’s MVP.

With the home crowd cheering them on, the Heat quickly dominated the early exchanges, with three-pointers from Triệu Hán Minh and Tavarion Nix giving them a 10-5 lead after only four minutes.

However, Tú didn’t let the hosts enjoy their success for long, pouring in 10 points in the first quarter to help the Buffaloes take the period 19-18.

In the next phase, the Heat fought back and coach David Singleton’s charges ended the half tied 33-33 with their capital opponents.

In the third quarter, the Buffaloes offence shone, with Tú once again leading the way with 10 points to give his team the lead at 53-45 going into the fourth.

The Heat weren’t about to give up at home and the southern side roarded back with a 20 point final period. However, Mike Bell and Vincent Nguyễn scored six points in the last two last minutes to secure a 72-65 win for the Buffaloes and moving them up to third in table.

Besides Tú, Bell also shone for the Buffaloes, notching a double-double with 15 points, 18 rebounds and five blocks.

The Heat will next face HCM City Wings at Hồ Xuân Hương Gymnasium on Thursday, while the Buffaloes will have the derby match with Thang Long Warriors tomorrow in Hà Nội.

In the other match played on Sunday, Cantho Catfish crushed Danang Dragons 111-80 at the Military Zone 5 Gymnasium in Đà Nẵng City.

Sang Đinh won the MVP award of this game with 21 points, six rebounds and seven assists.

The two teams will meet again at Cần Thơ Gymnasium tomorrow. — VNS