Defending champions Thang Long Warriors vs Hanoi Buffaloes in the derby match of the Việt Nam Basketball Association (VBA) League on July 24. — Photo VBA |
HÀ NỘI — Defending champions Thang Long Warriors defeated Hanoi Buffaloes 71-67 in their derby game of the Việt Nam Basketball Association (VBA) League on Tuesday.
The two sides shared a cautious first quarter, with the Warriors taking a 14-8 lead. They extended their advantage in the second with Jaywuan Hill and Tô Quang Trung shining to take the score to 21-12.
However, the Hanoi Buffaloes fought back strongly, and three-pointers from Đinh Tiến Công and Mike Bell helped the Buffaloes level the score at 26-26.
The Warriors’ experienced players helped them regain the lead in the third period at 49-38, with Trung scoring eight points and Justin Young seven.
In the last quarter, the Buffaloes gave fans reason to hope, coming back to lead 58-55 thanks to captain Vincent Nguyễn who scored 11 points, but Hoàng Thế Hiển and Trương Hoàng Trung helped the Warriors level the score at 59-59, focing the extra time.
The final result was 71-67 to the Warriors.
Hill won the MVP award with 16 points, 12 rebounds and three assists.
The Buffaloes will next meet Cantho Catfish on July 28 at Cần Thơ Gymnasium, while the Warriors will face HCM City Wings on July 29.
In the other match, the Catfish gained their seventh win in a row by beating HCM City Wings 79-71. — VNS