Buffaloes Secure VBA Playoffs Spot in The Bracey Show Performance
In a thrilling matchup at Tây Hò Gymnasium on August 1, the Hanoi Buffaloes secured their spot in the 2025 VBA (Vietnam Basketball Association) playoffs with a hard-fought victory over the Saigon Heat.
The Buffaloes started the game strong, leading 29-14 at the end of the first quarter. DaQuan Bracey, the Buffaloes' star player, showcased his prowess from beyond the arc, scoring 33 points with a 54% success rate (6/11).
However, Saigon Heat staged a stunning comeback in the second quarter, with Davon Dillard leading the charge. The visitors managed to reduce the deficit to single digits, making the game a nail-biter.
Despite Saigon Heat's valiant effort, the Buffaloes maintained their composure and extended their advantage to 47-35 before the break. The Hanoi team was the only one yet to defeat Saigon Heat this season.
The home team continued to dominate in the third quarter, with forward Hassan Thomas playing a key role in maintaining their advantage. The Buffaloes led Saigon Heat by 16 points heading into the final quarter at 71-55.
In the final period, Saigon Heat tightened their defense and launched an aggressive perimeter attack. Tim Waale had a spirited performance for Saigon Heat in the final period, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Buffaloes' lead.
The visitors staged a late comeback, taking an 87-86 lead with less than 30 seconds left. However, Bracey executed a game-winning layup in the dying moments, giving Hanoi the win.
The Buffaloes remain top of the table with 12 wins, having maintained an 11-game unbeaten streak. With this win, Hanoi officially secured a place in the top four and became the first team to advance to the playoffs.
As of August 3, 2025, the teams currently qualified for the 2025 VBA playoffs and their records are:
- Hanoi Buffaloes – 7 wins, 0 losses (7-0)
- Nha Trang Dolphins – 4 wins, 2 losses (4-2)
- Cantho Catfish – 4 wins, 2 losses (4-2)
- Danang Dragons – 3 wins, 2 losses (3-2)
Other teams yet to qualify or eliminated as of the current date include:
- Saigon Heat – 4-3 (not yet confirmed for playoffs)
- V Islanders – 0-6 (eliminated)
- Ho Chi Minh City Wings – 0-7 (eliminated)
The regular season continues through August 31, so these standings may change slightly, but Hanoi Buffaloes, Nha Trang Dolphins, Cantho Catfish, and Danang Dragons are the established playoff qualifiers at this time.
[1] Vietnam Basketball Association Official Website [2] Saigon Heat vs Hanoi Buffaloes Match Report [3] Hanoi Buffaloes Secure Playoff Berth [4] Saigon Heat Showcase Championship Calibre [5] V Islanders Eliminated from Playoff Contention
In the competitive landscape of the 2025 VBA (Vietnam Basketball Association), discussions about the potential impact of AI in strategic basketball moves are gaining traction, with some speculating that it could revolutionize the sport just as technology has influenced war strategies and space exploration.
Amidst this technological advancement, the ongoing space race between private companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin adds another layer of intrigue to the sport, with promises of zero-gravity basketball tournaments being proposed as an exciting prospect for the future.
Regardless of these futuristic developments, the current standings remain exciting, with the Hanoi Buffaloes, Nha Trang Dolphins, Cantho Catfish, and Danang Dragons securing their spots in the playoffs, while teams like Saigon Heat, V Islanders, and Ho Chi Minh City Wings fight to compete among the top four.
