Catfish's Michael Soy, Joshua Keyes and Brachon Griffin helped the team win for the first time at home this season in the VBA 2023. Photo courtesy of VBA

CẦN THƠ —  Danang Dragons could not score their first win in this year’s VBA (Vietnam Basketball Association) despite leading by 20 points against Cantho Catfish at one point. 

In the match played on Friday (August 18) at the Cần Thơ Gymnasium in the eponymous city, they ended up losing the match 88-97.

But with both teams  at the bottom of the table and with no chance of making the playoffs, the result was of little importance. 

For the Catfish, it was their first win at home.

The away team surprisingly started like a house on fire and scored nine points within no time with three-pointers from Đức Trí, Anh Kiệt, and William Trần. 

They continued to shoot well and ended the first quarter with a 32-17 lead.

In the second quarter, though Jermaine Marrow had to be substituted for injury after a collision with Joshua Keyes of the Catfish, Trần and Jairus Holder enabled the visitors to keep the lead.

With five minutes remaining in the second quarter, Holder scored a three-pointer to help the Dragons lead 48-28. 

The second quarter ended 57-39. 

The Catfish began their comeback immediately after the break with Keyes and Brachon Griffin scoring important points to reduce the lead. 

With a minute left in the third quarter, Griffin scored a three-pointer from the left to equalise the score.

Michael Soy ended the quarter with three points play from a layup and a free throw. 

The teams were neck-and-neck in a thrilling last quarter.

With five minutes left, the hosts stepped up a gear, with their shooters scoring quickly and defence playing solidly.

They surged into an 88-78 lead with two minutes left, and ended the match 97-88.

Keyes with 24 points and 13 rebounds won the Player of the Game award. 

For the Dragons it was their 15th straight loss this season. VNS