Hanoi Buffaloes beat Danang Dragons in the 44th Game of the Việt Nam Basketball (VBA) League at the 5th Military Zone Gymnasium on Thursday.

Mike Bell (9) and Zach Allmon (23) compete in the 44th Game of VBA 2018. — Photo courtesy of organisers

Danang Dragons entered the match with confidence, but soon lost the chance as the Buffaloes quickly took the lead at 10-0.

Chris Dierker and Zach Allmon helped the central province team end the first quarter at an even 23-23.

Four three-point shots by Horace Nguyễn and Phạm Tấn Hoàng Nguyên helped the Dragons in the second quarter.

Co-ordination by Stefan Nguyễn and Lê Ngọc Tú pushed the capital team to hold the score at 49-43.  

The third quarter saw continuous attacks from both sides, but the Dragons retained the advantage at 66-62.

In the last quarter, the Dragons lost steam and Mike Bell and Stefan Nguyễn added more points for the capital team.

Finally, Hanoi Buffaloes wrapped up the match with a victory of 91-84 over the Dragons.

MVP Bell gave 24 points, 18 rebounds, 2 steals and 5 blocks, Stefan gave 21 points, Vincent gave 14 points and Tú poured in 12 points to the Buffaloes.

They will encounter familiar opponent the Thang Long Warriors in the upcoming Playoffs.

For the Dragons, Allmon gave 33 points, 20 rebounds, Dierker gave 23 points, 11 rebounds and Horace gave 12 points. This is their last game in this year’s season.

In another match, Thang Long Warriors beat Ho Chi Minh City Wings by Jetstar 91-72.

They quickly took the lead at 14-12, and Jaywuan Hill and Justin Young helped the Warriors expand the gap to 39-30.

The third quarter started with the southern team shortening the gap to 36-39, but the Warriors continued to hold on thanks to Trung and Hill, raising the score to 61-48, and later winning at 90-72.

Nguyễn Thành Nhân provided 15 points, 12 rebounds, Henry Nguyễn managed 10 points and Quinton Doggett netted 26 points, 14 rebounds to the southern team.

MVP Hill poured in 34 points, 9 rebounds, 3 steals and 4 blocks, Young gave 14 points, 11 rebounds, Ryan Lê (9 points), Trung (12 points) and Hoàng Thế Hiển gave 9 points to the Warriors.

They now rank second and will meat the Hanoi Buffaloes in the Playoffs. — VNS