Michael Soy at the free throw line. Soy came off the bench to score 20 points, including five triples at a 50 per cent success rate. Photo courtesy of VBA

Xuân Đăng

HCM CITY — The Cần Thơ Catfish pulled off yet another upset on Saturday night, defeating reigning champions the Saigon Heat 77-75 in a thrilling rematch at the CIS Arena.

This marked the second consecutive win for the team from the Mekong Delta over the five-time VBA champions, following their surprising overtime victory earlier this week. True to their strategy, the Catfish retained the same starting line-up, while the Heat stuck with the roster that fell short two days earlier.

The opening quarter saw the visitors seize momentum early, capitalising on the Heat’s ball-handling errors. Malek Green continued his dominant presence in the paint, while Michael Soy and Albert Bordeos Opena each contributed key three-pointers, helping the Catfish edge ahead 21-17.

Saigon Heat responded in the second quarter. Star import Davon Dillard energised the offence, helping the hosts claw back and briefly take the lead. However, in the final 20 seconds, Dajuan Madden delivered a critical sequence with a score, a great steal and an assist that set up Michael Soy’s dramatic three-point shot at the final second to close the half at 46-43 in favour of the visitors.

After the break, the game intensified. The Heat mounted several comeback attempts, but a disciplined defensive performance and timely long-range shooting from Soy allowed the Catfish to maintain a narrow 63-61 advantage by the end of the third quarter.

The final period was a tense affair. Despite persistent efforts from the Heat to overturn the deficit with three-point attempts, they struggled to convert. Bench player Võ Kim Bản finally broke through with a long-range effort to tie the game at 75-77 late in the quarter. However, in the dying seconds, the Heat’s final play broke down, and Dư Minh An’s last-ditch shot veered wide, sealing a second straight defeat for the defending champions.

Malek Green was named Player of the Game after recording 29 points and 13 rebounds.

“It feels amazing to beat Saigon Heat twice. They’re a strong team with a history of winning, but what matters most is our teamwork and determination,” said Green.

The victory marks the Cần Thơ team’s fourth consecutive win, moving them into third place with a 4-2 record, while the Heat slip to fourth at 3-2. Key to the Catfish’s success was the impactful performance from Michael Soy, who came off the bench to score 20 points, including five triples at a 50 per cent success rate.

In contrast, the Heat relied heavily on their import duo, Dillard and Alfred Hollins, who combined for 54 points. Yet, their overreliance on local players scoring and a dismal three-point shooting percentage of 20 per cent (five out of 24) left them vulnerable once again. VNS