VBA Round 18: Dolphins lose to Buffaloes in the game between Top 4 teams

Anthony January

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

Very significant was Buffaloes' (#1, 10-2) victory against 3rd ranked Dolphins (7-4) 88-74. Buffaloes dominated down low during the game scoring 64 of its points in the paint compared to Dolphins' 26. Buffaloes forced 24 Dolphins turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. American Anthony January (204-1993, college: CSUSB, agency: Interperformances) had a double-double by scoring 27 points and 13 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and Tam Dinh Thanh (192-1990) chipped in 17 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 8 steals during the contest. The best for the losing side was American forward Robert Sampson (203-1992, college: Georgia Tech) with a double-double by scoring 26 points, 13 rebounds and 4 blocks. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Buffaloes (10-2) have an impressive seven-game winning streak. They maintain first position. Dolphins at the other side keep the third place with four games lost. Buffaloes will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Dolphins will play on the road against Wings in Ho Chi Minh and are hoping to prove to their fans that the loss was just an accident.
Bottom-ranked Dragons (0-11) is still winless. But it was rather predictable considering how strong their opponent was. This time they could not use their home court advantage losing their 11th consecutive match to second ranked Heat (9-1) 86-76. International power forward Phu Vinh Nguyen (203-1998) notched a double-double by scoring 14 points and 14 rebounds to lead the effort and Kentrell Barkley supported him with 13 points and 7 rebounds. Even 12 points and 6 rebounds by guard Kiet Nguyen Anh (180-2002) did not help to save the game for Dragons. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Heat have a solid three-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains second position with 9-1 record behind leader Buffaloes. Dragons at the other side still closes the standings with 11 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.