HÀ NỘI — Defending champions Thang Long Warriors beat Danang Dragons 93-79 in game 39 of the Việt Nam Basketball Association (VBA) League in Hà Nội on August 8.

Held at the Hà Nội National University of Education’s Gymnasium, the match marked the seventh win in a row for the Warriors in this year’s season.

With excellent performances by trio Jaywuan Hill, Justin Young and Ryan Lê, the Warriors took the lead at 26-19 in the first quarter.

The visiting side fought back strongly in the next period to level the score. However, Đặng Thái Hưng scored 14 points to stop the efforts of the Dragons and helped his team push the score to 52-41.

In the third quarter, the hosts slacked off, helping the visitors narrow the gap. Horace Nguyễn, Zach Allmon and Chris Dierker scored 21 points to shorten the distance to 62-70 for the Dragons.

However in the remaining time, players under coach Donte Hill couldn’t maintain their effective attacks and missed many chances to raise the score.

Meanwhile, the Warriors managed 23 points to end the match 93-79.

With 20 points, three assists, Hưng of Warriors won the MVP award of the game.

In another fixture, Cantho Catfish bested HCM City Wings 88-84.

With this result, the Warriors defended their second place with nine wins and four losses. Cantho Catfish top the rankings with 11 wins and two losses, while Saigon Heat rank third with eight wins and five losses.

The Warriors will next face Saigon Heat at their hometurf on August 14 and the Dragons will meet Cantho Catfish on the same day. — VNS