Madarious Gibbs and Dominique Tham dominated against the Hanoi Buffaloes to get a win for the Dolphins in game 1 of the two-game semi-final. Photo courtesy of VBA

NHA TRANG — The Nha Trang Dolphins defeated the Hanoi Buffaloes by a score of 85-61 in the first game of the semi-final, thereby giving the Dolphins the advantage to reach the final. The second game of the best-of-three semi-final will be in Hà Nội on Tuesday.

The match was held on Friday night (September 8) at Nha Trang University Gymnasium, Nha Trang City.

This was also the first time both teams met in the playoffs.

Despite being ranked second after the regular season, the Buffaloes were the underdog team as they had to replace big man Anthony January with 36-year-old Lenny Daniel before the playoffs started.

Meanwhile, the Dolphins were in good form as they have won all their games at home.

The host quickly controlled the game thanks to the smooth play of the trio Dominique Tham, Madarious Gibbs and Robert Sampson.

The Dolphins took a lead of 25-17 after the first quarter.

Dominique Tham continued his dominant play in the second quarter. Meanwhile, Lenny Daniel and Udun Osakue of the Buffaloes had difficulty scoring as neither of them scored more than 10 points before the break.

The Dolphins increased the lead to 14 points (44-30) before the break.

The Buffaloes players strived to bounce back in the third quarter thanks to the performance of young player Nguyễn Huy Hoàng.

However, Finals MVP of VBA 2022- Madarious Gibbs showed his class and led the host with 23 points before the fourth quarter.

Coach Erik Rashad of the Buffaloes had nothing in his pocket to change the situation.

The guest had to accept the defeat with the final score of 85-61.

With 18 points, 10 assists and 3 steals, Madarious Gibbs the Dolphins was named the Player of the Game. In addition, Dominique Tham received praise for contributing 26 points and his competitive spirit.

Madarious Gibbs shared after the game: "We had a great match. The whole team kept high focus and played wholeheartedly in all aspects, especially defense. The upcoming match in Hà Nội will be very difficult. However, we will still keep this form and look for a win like tonight."

"I believe that everything will be very different when we play at home, we will regain our rhythm. With the support of the home fans, we will win," Coach Rashad of the Buffaloes said about the upcoming match which will be held next Tuesday (September 12) at Hoàng Mai Gymnasium, Hà Nội. VNS