VBA Round 16: Dolphins beat Catfish by two after a very close game

Robert Sampson

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

Sixth-ranked Catfish (2-7) used its home court advantage to challenge third ranked Dolphins (7-3) in Can Tho on Sunday. The visitors from Nha Trang managed to secure only two-point victory 80-78. However their fans expected easier game. American players dominated the game. Worth to mention a great performance of forward Robert Sampson (203-1992, college: Georgia Tech) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 24 points and 20 rebounds. Center Dominique Tham (195-1996, college: Mount Olive) contributed with 24 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Guard Brachon Griffin (185-1992, college: ECSU) replied with 29 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists for Catfish. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Dolphins maintains third position with 7-3 record behind leader Saigon Heat. Catfish lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the sixth place with seven games lost. Dolphins will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Catfish will play on the road against Wings (#5) in Ho Chi Minh and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game between fourth ranked Warriors (6-5) and 5th ranked Wings (3-7) in Hanoi ended with biggest points difference. Warriors beat guests from Ho Chi Minh 87-72. Worth to mention a quality performance of American power forward John Fields (205-1988, college: Tennessee, agency: Octagon Europe) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 20 points, 17 rebounds and 4 assists (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) and Sameen Swint who added 22 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists during the contest. Warriors' coach allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. At the losing side American guard Jeremy Smith (190-1991, college: Nicholls St.) responded with 28 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Warriors maintains fourth position with 6-5 record. Wings at the other side keep the fifth place with seven games lost. Warriors will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Wings will play at home against Catfish (#6) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.