The Can Tho Catfish edged the Da Nang Dragons 88–85 in a thrilling Vietnam VBA clash on July 18, 2026, at the Can Tho Sports Arena. The home team held off a furious fourth-quarter rally from the Dragons to secure their third consecutive victory, improving their record and tightening the race for playoff positioning in the VBA standings.

Match Overview

From the opening tip, both teams traded baskets in a fast-paced affair. The Catfish used a balanced attack in the first half, spreading the floor and hitting timely three-pointers to build a 10-point lead by halftime. However, the Dragons, known for their resilience, stormed back in the third quarter behind aggressive drives and transition buckets. The contest was decided in the final minutes, where Can Tho’s defensive stops and clutch free-throw shooting made the difference.

Key Moments

• First half surge: Can Tho’s backcourt trio combined for 28 points before the break, pushing the lead to 50–40 at halftime.
• Dragons’ third-quarter response: Da Nang opened the third with a 12–2 run, tying the game at 52. The Dragons’ import forward scored 10 points in the period.
• Clutch finish: With the score tied at 80 and under two minutes remaining, Catfish guard Nguyen Hoang Phuc sank a step-back jumper and later converted two free throws to seal the win.

Standout Performances

Can Tho Catfish: Local hero Nguyen Hoang Phuc led all scorers with 26 points and 7 assists, showcasing his ability to create his own shot and distribute under pressure. Import center Marcus Thompson added a double-double with 18 points and 14 rebounds, anchoring the paint on both ends.

Da Nang Dragons: American guard Jordan Ellis poured in 24 points and dished out 8 assists, keeping the Dragons in the game with his penetrations. Forward Le Quang Trung contributed 17 points and 9 rebounds, but the Dragons struggled with foul trouble in the closing stages.

Season Impact

The victory moves the Can Tho Catfish to 8–5 on the season, placing them firmly in the top four of the VBA standings as they chase a home-court advantage in the playoffs. For the Da Nang Dragons, the loss drops them to 6–7, leaving them in a crowded middle of the table where every possession counts. The Catfish’s ability to close tight games will be a key storyline as the regular season enters its final stretch.