VBA 2023: Nha Trang Dolphins’s home win extended

Nha Trang Dolphins ended the preliminary stage of VBA 2023 with a 80-72 home win against Hanoi Buffaloes at the sports arena of Nha Trang University on September 2 night.

The visitors Hanoi Buffaloes had had an advantage of winning over the hosts Nha Trang Dolphins, who would play without key player Dominique Tham, in the last game of the preliminary stage. If Hanoi Buffaloes win the game, they will stay firmly at the top position. In case they lose the game, they will lose their first position to Saigon Heat.

Game between Nha Trang Dolphins and Hanoi Buffaloes (Source: VBA)

Hanoi Buffaloes just conceded a loss while Nha Trang Dolphins had 4 consecutive wins at home before this game. In the first 3 sets, Nha Trang Dolphins with the absence of Dominique Tham in the defense faced a lot of difficulties in preventing the attacks near the basket from Hanoi Buffaloes. There were a few times when Hanoi Buffaloes made a gap of up to 13 points. However, Madarious Gibbs and Robert Sampson of Nha Trang Dolphins gradually performed better and narrowed the gap to 61-65 for the hosts after 3 sets.

In the last set, Madarious Gibbs continued to close the point gap between the two sides. In the 5th minute, when Nha Trang Dolphins were 1 point fewer than Hanoi Buffaloes, Robert Sampson shots a 3-pointer to make it 67-65 for home team. Turning the table, Nha Trang Dolphins played with high spirit and took advantage of Hanoi Buffaloes’ mistakes to end the game 80-72.

Robert Sampson was the Player of the Game with 35 points, 17 rebounds and 5 blocked shots. Madarious Gibbs also had a good match day with 20 points and 14 assists. After this game, Nha Trang Dolphins consolidate their third position in the rankings.

An Nhien
Translated by H.N