Entering the North-South showdown, Hanoi champions Phan Dinh Phung High School faced a significant disadvantage, missing key players Dinh Ngoc Phuong Linh and Bao Thy. Despite this, the Hanoi girls started confidently, quickly applying intense pressure from the opening whistle.

Phan Dinh Phung's tight defense prevented Vinschool Central Park from advancing the ball freely. In the first quarter, the TP HCM representatives committed five turnovers and struggled to reach the opponent's basket.

Vinschool Central Park girls celebrate their Super Cup victory. Photo: Thanh Tung

Vinschool Central Park girls celebrate their Super Cup victory. Photo: Thanh Tung

The atmosphere on the court grew tense as injuries frequently interrupted the game. Quynh Chi of Vinschool and Thu Thuy of Phan Dinh Phung both unfortunately twisted their ankles after fierce contests, forcing them to leave the court early.

Capitalizing on their opponent's slow start, Ha Giang scored, giving Phan Dinh Phung a 6-0 lead. Meanwhile, Vinschool's most dangerous player, Nguyen Huynh Phuong Chi, was tightly marked, unable to make an impact for most of the first quarter. Only in the final minutes did Phuong Chi assist Minh Chau for Vinschool's first points, narrowing the score to 2-6 for Vinschool.

In the second quarter, An Chu hit a cold-blooded 3-pointer, extending Phan Dinh Phung's lead to 9-2. Witnessing his players repeatedly turn over the ball and lose their rhythm, Vinschool coach Viet Duy called a timeout to regroup his team.

Vinschool Central Park (gray jerseys) showed greater composure in critical moments. Photo: Thanh Tung

Vinschool Central Park (gray jerseys) showed greater composure in critical moments. Photo: Thanh Tung

It was in this most challenging moment that Phuong Chi's star quality shone through. Capitalizing on Phan Dinh Phung's repeated missed opportunities to extend their lead, Vinschool's number 8 sank two consecutive accurate 3-pointers in the final seconds of the second quarter, bringing the Southern representatives back into the game at 8-11.

The third quarter saw a physically demanding struggle. Ha Giang continued to carry Phan Dinh Phung's offense with clean mid-range jump shots, maintaining a 15-10 lead. However, as both teams' stamina began to wane, individual quality started to make a difference.

Phuong Chi again emerged as Vinschool's "hero". After a 3-pointer narrowed the score to 14-15, she directly led a fast break, scoring to give Vinschool their first lead at 17-15. By that point, Phuong Chi had scored 14 of her team's 19 points.

Phan Dinh Phung took an early lead but could not maintain their form throughout the game. Photo: Thanh Tung

Phan Dinh Phung took an early lead but could not maintain their form throughout the game. Photo: Thanh Tung

Entering the decisive quarter, Minh Chau hit a 3-pointer, extending Vinschool's lead to 22-17. Phan Dinh Phung immediately responded with Tue Minh's powerful drive and score. The chase intensified when Huyen Trang delivered an impressive scoring run, cutting the deficit to just one point (24-25) for the visiting team.

However, Vinschool's composure at the free-throw line extinguished any hopes of a comeback for their opponent. Minh Chau and Phuong Chi consistently made their free throws, extending the lead to 31-24.

The disadvantage for Phan Dinh Phung grew when their brightest star, Ha Giang, committed her five personal fouls and was disqualified with less than two minutes remaining. With nothing left to lose, the Hanoi representatives resorted to fouling to regain possession, but time ran out.

The game concluded with a 31-24 victory for Vinschool Central Park. Overcoming the most difficult moments, the TP HCM girls demonstrated their resilience to deservedly claim the championship title of the VnExpress Youth Basketball Super Cup 2026.

Tu Vu

The tournament was organized by VnExpress Newspaper and FPT Online Services Joint Stock Company (FPT Online), under the professional supervision of the Vietnam Basketball Federation, and is part of the national project "Developing School Basketball until 2030."