Both teams had previously defeated Nguyen Thi Minh Khai High School in their opening matches, making the game between Marie Curie and Nguyen Tat Thanh effectively a Group A final. The winner would advance, while the loser would be eliminated. Marie Curie, with its competitive experience, was considered the stronger team, having won the VnExpress Youth Basketball Friendly Tournament - Ziaja Cup 2025 in TP HCM in May.

A player from Marie Curie High School (yellow jersey) shields the ball from an approaching Nguyen Tat Thanh High School opponent. *Photo: VYB*

Nguyen Tat Thanh, however, displayed no signs of pressure, starting with enthusiasm and dictating the game's pace from the outset. Their seamless coordination led to 14 points in the first quarter, with Nguyen Dinh Nguyen (number 14) being a key scorer. Marie Curie, in contrast, managed only 5 points, all scored by Tran Gia Khoa (number 16).

Marie Curie regrouped in the second quarter, engaging in a more competitive exchange with their opponents, yet still narrowly lost the quarter 9-10. By the end of the third quarter, Nguyen Tat Thanh held a commanding 30-18 lead, leading most spectators at the Warzone Pick & Hoops arena in Vinh Hung, Hanoi, to believe the outcome was decided.

Marie Curie launched a strong comeback in the fourth quarter, scoring 16 points. However, their efforts were insufficient to complete a full turnaround, and they ultimately accepted a narrow 34-36 defeat.

An 'and one' play by MVP Nguyen Dinh Nguyen (number 14 - Nguyen Tat Thanh High School) in the first quarter. *Video: Hai Long*

Coach Nguyen Manh Hung of Nguyen Tat Thanh High School expressed his satisfaction, stating, "Today, the team capitalized on every defensive situation, playing calmly and confidently in offense." He praised Marie Curie, acknowledging their opponents' strong individual skills, consistent shooting, and resilient spirit in narrowing the deficit during the final quarter.

In another men's match, Pham Hong Thai High School and Nguyen Trai - Ba Dinh High School played a balanced game, with the lead constantly changing. After three quarters, the score was tied at 20-20. Drawing on their experience as last season's runner-up, Nguyen Trai - Ba Dinh accelerated in the fourth quarter, scoring 10 points through the trio of Khuc Dinh Anh (number 2), Duong Quang Anh (number 9), and Tran Quang Dung (number 5), while Pham Hong Thai managed only 4 points. Nguyen Trai - Ba Dinh ultimately won 30-24, gaining an advantage in the race for a quarter-final spot.

A Nguyen Trai - Ba Dinh High School player (blue jersey) drives into the two-point area, surrounded by Pham Hong Thai High School defenders. *Photo: VYB*

Despite being named player of the match, captain Khuc Dinh Anh expressed dissatisfaction with allowing their opponents to equalize after the first three quarters. "We didn't play to our usual standard today. After the third quarter, I reminded the team of our spirit, emphasizing stronger defense and looking for opportunities to break through and win," he stated.

Nguyen Trai - Ba Dinh's qualification for the next round will be decided in their match against Dewey Tay Ho Tay High School at 8h on 16/11.

In the remaining men's group match, Tay Ho High School did not appear for their scheduled game. According to the regulations, Ly Thai To High School was awarded a 25-0 victory, thus securing a favorable start without expending much effort.

The VnExpress Youth Basketball Tournament 2025 - Ziaja Cup is organized by VnExpress Newspaper and FPT Online Services Joint Stock Company (FPT Online), with professional oversight from the Vietnam Basketball Federation. The tournament is part of the national project "Developing School Basketball until 2030."

All tournament information is updated by the organizers on the official website and fanpage.

Hai Long