VBA Round 5: Warriors lose their first game against Dolphins

Madarious Gibbs

VBA is at the halfway of the Regular Season and there are still another 5 rounds left. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of Warriors (2-1) in Hanoi on Monday night. Hosts were defeated by fourth ranked Dolphins (2-1) 82-77. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Warriors. Dolphins forced 21 Warriors turnovers. Americans were the main players on the court. Guard Madarious Gibbs (185-1993, college: Texas Southern) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 35 points (!!!), 14 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals for the winners and forward Robert Sampson (203-1992, college: Georgia Tech) chipped in 12 points, 14 rebounds and 4 assists. Power forward John Fields (205-1988, college: Tennessee, agency: Octagon Europe) responded with a double-double by scoring 28 points and 16 rebounds (on 11-of-14 shooting from the field). Warriors' coach tried various players' combinations and tested in total twelve players in this game, but that didn't help. Dolphins moved-up to second place, which they share with Buffaloes and Warriors. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Very significant was Heat's (#1, 3-0) victory against 4th placed Wings (1-2) 82-67. American swingman Kentrell Barkley (195-1996, college: ECU, agency: Haylett Sports) nailed a triple-double by scoring 24 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists for the winning side and Hassan Thomas accounted for 24 points and 15 rebounds. American center Amir Williams (211-1992, college: Ohio St.) came up with a double-double by scoring 15 points, 11 rebounds and 4 blocks for Wings in the defeat. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Heat have a solid series of three victories in a row. Defending champion maintains first place with 3-0 record. Wings at the other side dropped to the fifth position with two games lost. Heat will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Wings will play at home against Buffaloes (#3) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.