Cantho Catfish beat defending champions Danang Dragons 76-68 in their Vietnam Basketball Association (VBA) League match on home turf in the southern province of Cantho on September 15.

Cantho Catfish celebrate after beating Danang Dragons 76-68 in their Vietnam Basketball Association (VBA) League encounter on home turf in the southern province of Cantho on September 15. 

Both sides had successful three-point shots in the first quarter.

Two shots by Tam Dinh helped the hosts take the lead. However, Horace Nguyen's two shots soon after equalled the score. With the star power of Joly Rudolphe, who won best player award at the VBA last year, and young ace Nguyen Hoang Tuan, Danang were ahead of the hosts 21-19.

In the second quarter, once again, Rudolphe played outstandingly and was the best player in this quarter, scoring 16 points on his own. However, perfect co-ordination between the two brothers Tam Dinh and Sang Dinh helped hosts Cantho level the score to 39-39.

Danang’s bad luck began in the third quarter when key player Rudolphe met with injury. Taking full advantage of this opportunity, Cantho were able to hold attacks and score points repeatedly.

Although Rudolphe was missing from action, Tuanand veteran Dam Huy Dai propelled Danang to lead this quarter 59-58.

In the last quarter, Rudolphe returned to the court. However, despite the entire team’s efforts, Danang could not fight back, losing the match 68-76.

Earlier, Cantho beat Hanoi Buffaloes 79-71 in Hanoi. 

VNS