VBA Star-X 2025: Nha Trang Dolphins fail to capitalize on advantage

Despite holding a 1-0 lead over Cantho Catfish after a home win in the first playoff match of VBA Star-X 2025, Nha Trang Dolphins couldn’t capitalize on their advantage, falling 78-86 to last year's runners-up in the rematch on September 8.

Before this match, Nha Trang Dolphins were expected to maintain their momentum and would defeat Cantho Catfish once more in the second playoff match to secure a spot in the finals. Entering the matchup more relatively confident played better than Cantho Catfish at first, Nha Trang Dolphins couldn't sustain their offensive pressure against the home team's resolute and determined defense.

Cantho Catfish and Nha Trang Dolphins play their second play-off match on September 8

Following their initial playoff loss, Cantho Catfish addressed their defensive weaknesses. Head coach Phan Thanh Canh and his players effectively blocked offensive threats from Nha Trang Dolphins. In the second quarter, seeing a drop in Nha Trang Dolphins' offensive intensity, Cantho Catfish's stars Albert Bordeos Opena, Devin Peterson and Michael Soy seized the opportunity, giving the home team a narrow 39-38 lead. From that point on, although Nha Trang Dolphins' stars Huynh Vinh Quang and Mykal Jenkins tried hard to keep pace, the visitors’ comeback effort was prevented by the tight defense and excellent play of Cantho Catfish's center, Malek Green. Ultimately, Nha Trang Dolphins conceded a tough 86-78 defeat.

Nha Trang Dolphins started the match with high spirit, with their star Mykal Jenkins leading the charge on offense. However, this wasn’t enough for Coach Todd Purves's squad to overcome the home team's defensive line. Meanwhile, Cantho Catfish, under the pressure to win and facing an onslaught of attacks from the visitors, showed their high determination, good defense and finally turned the tide of the match. 

With this result, Nha Trang Dolphins and Cantho Catfish are now tied at 1-1 in the playoff round, and the final spot in the finals hasn’t been decided. The two teams will play against each other in a decisive final match to determine the winner. The match is scheduled to take place at Khanh Hoa sports arena on September 11.

In the other playoff matchup, Saigon Heat couldn’t defense their championship title after losing to Hanoi Buffaloes. Hanoi Buffaloes is the first team to advance to the finals.

AN NHIEN
Translated by H.N