VietNamNet Bridge – Hanoi Buffaloes beat Saigon Heat 77-71 to rank second in the Viet Nam Basketball Association (VBA) League on July 22.

Hanoi Buffaloes vs Saigon Heat at the VBA League on July 22. — Photo VBA

The game was held at the CIS Arena in HCM City.

The visiting Buffaloes quickly dominated the early exchanges. After five minutes, the score was 10-0 in favour of the Buffaloes. However, with the efforts of Trieu Han Minh, Tran Dang Khoa and Hong Gia Lan, the Heat narrowed the gap to 10-18 as the first quarter finished.

In the next quarter, the Heat fought back seeking points but the Buffaloes managed to score eight points in a row to raise the score to 26-10. After that Lan and Tavarion Nix’s outstanding performance failed to help the hosts Heat take the lead. They lost to the Buffaloes 29-40.

The two sides attacked aggressively, thrilling fans in the stadium. The Heat tried their best to score 25 points in the third period, however, a tactical adjustment by coach Todd Purves helped the Buffaloes once again take the lead at 61-54.

In the last quarter, the Heat nearly levelled the gap. With just 17 seconds remaining, the Heat pushed the score to 71-74. But a three-point shot by Vincent Nguyen in the dying seconds ended the hopes for the Heat and helped the Buffaloes win 77-71.

Mike Bell won the MVP award of the game with 22 points, 19 rebounds and four blocks.

The Buffaloes will next face Thang Long Warriors on July 24 in Hanoi.

Source: VNS