VietNamNet Bridge – Defending champions Thang Long Warriors defeated Hanoi Buffaloes 71-67 in their derby game of the Viet Nam Basketball Association (VBA) League on Tuesday.

Defending champions Thang Long Warriors vs Hanoi Buffaloes in the derby match of the Viet Nam Basketball Association (VBA) League on July 24. — Photo VBA

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 To Quang Trung shining to take the score to 21-12.

However, the Hanoi Buffaloes fought back strongly, and three-pointers from Dinh Tien Cong 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 Nguyen who scored 11 points, but Hoang The Hien and Truong Hoang 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 Can Tho 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.

Source: VNS