VBA Round 19: Wings beat Dolphins by three after a very close game

Yevgen Sakhniuk

Host teams show no mercy winning all games. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most exciting game of round 19 in the VBA took place in Ho Chi Minh. This derby game ended with only three-point defeat on the road of 3rd placed Dolphins (7-5) to sixth ranked Wings (4-8) 90-87 on Wednesday evening. Wings had a 31-15 advantage in offensive rebounds. It was a great shooting night for Wings especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 55.6 percentage. Worth to mention a great performance of Ukrainian forward Yevgen Sakhniuk (201-1995, college: Jefferson) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 23 points, 19 rebounds and 6 assists (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field). American guard Jeremy Smith (190-1991, college: Nicholls St.) contributed with 20 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. American center Dominique Tham (195-1996, college: Mount Olive) answered with a double-double by scoring 23 points and 10 rebounds for Dolphins. Wings moved-up to fifth place. Dolphins at the other side keep the third position with five games lost. They share it with Warriors. Wings will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Dolphins will play on the road against Warriors in Hanoi and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game between fourth ranked Warriors (7-5) and 5th ranked Catfish (3-8) in Hanoi ended with biggest points difference. Warriors beat guests from Can Tho 94-86. American players dominated the game. Worth to mention a quality performance of guard Sameen Swint (193-1995, college: GBC) who helped to win the game recording 30 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists. John Fields helped adding 18 points and 19 rebounds. At the losing side guard Brachon Griffin (185-1992, college: ECSU) responded with a double-double by scoring 28 points, 11 rebounds and 9 assists. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Warriors have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to third place, which they share with Dolphins. Catfish at the other side dropped to the sixth position with eight games lost. Warriors will play against Dolphins (#3) in Nha Trang in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Catfish will play on the road against the league's second-placed Heat in Saigon and hopes to get back on the winning track.