Da Nang Dragons 97 – 100 Hanoi Buffalo
June 25, 2026 | Vietnam VBA Regular Season

In a high-octane battle at the Tien Son Sports Arena, the Hanoi Buffalo edged past the Da Nang Dragons 100–97 on Thursday night, handing the home side a heart-wrenching defeat. The contest lived up to its billing as two of the VBA's most explosive offenses traded blows until the final buzzer, with Hanoi's composure in the closing moments proving decisive.

Match Overview

The Dragons came out firing in front of their passionate home crowd, using a 12–2 run midway through the first quarter to seize an early lead. However, the Buffalo responded with disciplined half-court sets and sharp perimeter shooting, closing the opening period down by only three points. A see-saw second quarter saw both teams trade leads seven times, with Da Nang taking a slim 51–48 advantage into the locker room.

Hanoi turned up the defensive intensity after halftime, forcing three quick turnovers that translated into fast-break points. By the end of the third quarter, the visitors had built a 78–73 cushion. The Dragons refused to wilt, tying the game at 93 with two minutes remaining, but a clutch three-pointer from Hanoi’s shooting guard and a pair of free throws in the final seconds sealed the victory.

Key Moments

• First-quarter surge: Da Nang’s starting backcourt combined for 16 points in the opening period, setting a frenetic pace.
• Third-quarter turnaround: Hanoi outscored the Dragons 30–22, capitalizing on second-chance opportunities and three-pointers.
• Clutch shot: With the score tied at 95, Hanoi's import guard buried a contested three-pointer from the wing with 18 seconds left.
• Defensive stop: On the ensuing Dragons possession, Hanoi forced a tough fadeaway that missed, then sealed the game at the free‑throw line.

Standout Players

Hanoi Buffalo: The guard-heavy attack was led by a 28‑point, 7‑assist performance from their American import, who also grabbed five rebounds. The Vietnamese national team forward added 22 points and 11 boards, providing a strong inside presence when the offense stalled.

Da Nang Dragons: The home team’s leading scorer poured in 31 points on 12‑of‑22 shooting, including four three‑pointers. Their veteran point guard dished out 10 assists but committed a costly turnover in the frantic final minute. The Dragons also got a double‑double from their center (14 points, 13 rebounds).

Tactical Story

The game was a contrast in styles: Da Nang wanted to run, pushing the ball in transition and attacking the paint early. Hanoi preferred a methodical half‑court approach, using ball screens to create mismatches. In the second half, Hanoi’s switch‑heavy defense neutralized the Dragons’ pick‑and‑roll, forcing them into contested jump shots. Meanwhile, the Buffalo’s ability to spread the floor and knock down threes (12‑of‑28 from deep) proved the difference.

Season Impact

The victory improves Hanoi Buffalo’s record to 10‑4, keeping them firmly in the top half of the VBA standings. For Da Nang Dragons, the loss drops them to 8‑6, but they remain in playoff contention with several winnable games ahead. The two teams will meet again on August 12, a matchup that could have significant postseason implications.