Kentrell Barkley dunk in front of Madarious Gibbs. Saigon Heat took a victory against Nha Trang Dolphins. Photo courtesy of VBA x

HCM CITY - The defending champion Saigon Heat had an important victory against the Nha Trang Dolphins to secure its position at the top of the table.

Welcoming the Dolphins to the home court of CIS, the Heat was determined to break the winning streak of the Dolphins, who are a champion contender. 

However, the Heat faced a hard challenge when their former player Madarious Gibbs was in good form for the Dolphins. 

Both teams played neck to neck and took turns taking the lead throughout the match. 

The score was 46-46 before the break.

In the third quarter, the Heat and Dolphins continued to have a dramatic close game for the fans. 

However, the Heat was able to slow the Dolphins' trio of Madarious Gibbs, Robert Sampson and Dominique Tham while Kentrell Barkley and Hassan Thomas of the Heat continuously scored points. 

Barkley helped the Heat to raise the gap to 10 points (71-61). 

Dominique Tham had a three-pointer to help the Dolphins enter the final half with a score of 71-64.

Entering the last quarter, the Heat's starting five still had a good performance. 

Local players like Nguyễn Huỳnh Phú Vinh and Võ Kim Bản also took turns scoring key points, directly helped the home team maintain the gap.

With just over 30 seconds left in the match, Võ Huy Hoàn of the Dolphins made an accurate three pointer from the corner to close the gap to 93-90.

With little time left, coach Predrag Lukic's and his players decided to exchange fouls for time.

Hassan Thomas scored one out of two free throws, and the Saigon Heat succeeded in defending against the final attack of the away team.

In the end, the Heat took a victory over the Dolphins with a score of 94-90. VNS