Nha Trang Dolphins finish second in VBA Star X 2025

On September 20, Hanoi Buffaloes claimed VBA Star X 2025 championship after winning Nha Trang Dolphins for the third consecutive time in the final series with a score of 95-80 at Khanh Hoa sports arena.

Hanoi Buffaloes win VBA Star X 2025

Entering the final match, Hanoi Buffaloes maintained the same lineup that had given them a 2-0 win over the hosts Nha Trang Dolphins. Meanwhile, Nha Trang Dolphins' coach, Todd Purves, showed no signs of bringing back Vietnamese-heritage player Max Allen to the court. From the start of the match, the home team focused on feeding the ball to their key player, Mykal Jenkins, to attack the paint in an attempt to gain an early advantage. However, Mykal Jenkins couldn't do it all on his own as the rest of Nha Trang Dolphins had a really tough time getting past the Buffaloes' tenacious and airtight defense. Meanwhile, Hanoi Buffaloes grew more confident as the match progressed, performing effective defense and scoring.

Nha Trang Dolphins finish second in VBA Star X 2025

In the third quarter, Hanoi Buffaloes extended their lead to more than 15 points over Nha Trang Dolphins. In the final quarter, Nha Trang Dolphins fought hard, attempting steals and long-range shots to close the gap. However, the visitors Hanoi Buffaloes consistently played effectively, even launching counterattacks at times and pushed the lead to 25 points. Without an outstanding element to turn the match around, Nha Trang Dolphins conceded a 95-80 defeat.

The final match between Nha Trang Dolphins and Hanoi Buffaloes at Khanh Hoa sports arena

With this third consecutive win, Hanoi Buffaloes secured a 3-0 sweep over Nha Trang Dolphins in the championship series, claiming the championship title. This marks Hanoi Buffaloes’ first-ever championship in their 10 years in the league with three final appearances. Hanoi Buffaloes’ leading scorer, Tamyrik Fields, was named Player of the Game with 23 points and 14 rebounds. His outstanding performance also earned him the Finals MVP title. This was also Tamyrik Fields’ first title playing overseas.

For Nha Trang Dolphins, finishing VBA Star X 2025 in second position is still a solid result. This marks the third consecutive season that Nha Trang Dolphins have reached the top 4 and their second time finishing as the league's runners-up.

AN NHIEN
Translated by H.N