VBA 2023: Nha Trang Dolphin progress to semifinals

The win over Ho Chi Minh City Wings in the group stage of VBA 2023 on August 20 saw Nha Trang Dolphin progressing to the semifinals. The result of the last clash between the two teams also put an end to the journey of Ho Chi Minh City Wings this season.

Left-handed defender Jeremy Smith played an important role in most of the attacks of the visitors Ho Chi Minh City Wings at the start of the game. The hosts Nha Trang Dolphin displayed several attacking styles and led the first set 24-20. In the second set, the attacks of Ho Chi Minh City Wings continued to depend on Jeremy Smith and Yevgen Sakhniuk, but these two struggled to find ways to score points. Meanwhile, the key players of Nha Trang Dolphins namely Madarious Gibbs, Dominique Tham and Phuc Vinh played better and better. Fast attacks and accurate 3-point throws helped the home team win at the score of 47-38.

Nha Trang Dolphins playing Ho Chi Minh City Wings

In the last two sets, the two sides focused on attacking in searching for points. Son Minh Tam and Phuc Vinh of Nha Trang Dolphins succeeded in scoring many 3-pointers. The visitors’ continuous attacks contributed to the disqualification of Robert Sampson, the key player of the hosts, who committed four personal fouls. However, Ho Chi Minh City Wings’ efforts were not enough to earn them a win as most of their key players underperformed.

Finally, Nha Trang Dolphins defeated Ho Chi Minh City Wings with a score of 93 - 83. Nguyen Phuc Vinh of Nha Trang Dolphins was named Player of the Game with 11 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals and an impressive 3-point percentage of 60%.

With this win, Nha Trang Dolphins advanced from the group stage and booked their place in the semifinals after 9 wins and 6 losses. The representative of the central region rank 3rd in the rankings.

An Nhien
Translated by H.N