VBA Round 9: Heat edge Warriors by three points

Kentrell Barkley

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most exciting game of round 9 in the VBA took place in Saigon. This derby game ended with only three-point defeat on the road of second-best Warriors (3-2) to leader Heat (5-0) 91-88 in the game for the first place. Heat looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Heat made 9 blocks. The game was dominated by American players. The best player for the winners was swingman Kentrell Barkley (195-1996, college: ECU, agency: Haylett Sports) who had a double-double by scoring 32 points, 19 rebounds and 7 assists. Forward Hassan Thomas (203-1996, college: Emporia St.) chipped in 17 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was power forward John Fields (205-1988, college: Tennessee, agency: Octagon Europe) who recorded a double-double by scoring 17 points and 16 rebounds. Warriors' coach tried various players' combinations and tested in total twelve players in this game, but that didn't help. Undefeated Heat have an impressive series of five victories in a row. Defending champion maintains first place with 5-0 record. Warriors at the other side keep the second position with two games lost. They share it with Buffaloes and Dolphins. Heat are looking forward to face Catfish (#5) in Can Tho in the next round. Warriors' supporters also look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Hanoi Buffaloes.
The game with biggest result difference took place in Ho Chi Minh. Local Wings (2-4) lost to sixth ranked Catfish (2-3) 78-66. The game was also dominated by American players. It was a good game for guard Brachon Griffin (185-1992, college: ECSU) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 34 points (!!!), 11 rebounds and 5 assists. DeAngelo Hamilton contributed with 17 points and 14 rebounds for the winners. Center Amir Williams (211-1992, college: Ohio St.) answered with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 17 rebounds for Wings. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Catfish moved-up to fifth place. Wings at the other side dropped to the sixth position with four games lost. Catfish will play against league's leader Heat in Saigon in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Wings will have a break next round.