Nha Trang Dolphins Hold Off Can Tho Catfish in Thrilling 90-84 VBA Victory

The Nha Trang Dolphins secured a hard-fought 90-84 win over the Can Tho Catfish on July 23, 2026, in a Vietnam VBA regular-season clash that kept fans on the edge of their seats at the Nha Trang Sports Center. The Dolphins used a strong second-half surge to overcome a determined Catfish squad and move up the standings.

From the opening tip, both teams traded baskets in a high-tempo affair. The Catfish, known for their perimeter shooting, kept the Dolphins' defense scrambling early on. However, Nha Trang's interior presence and disciplined transition game allowed them to seize a narrow lead heading into halftime. The Dolphins' bench depth proved critical as they rotated fresh legs to maintain defensive intensity.

Key Moments and Turning Points

The third quarter proved decisive. After Can Tho briefly took a three-point lead midway through the period, the Dolphins responded with an 11-2 run fueled by fast-break points and aggressive offensive rebounding. Guard Nguyen Thanh Cong contributed critical steals that led to easy layups, swinging momentum firmly in Nha Trang's favor. By the start of the fourth quarter, the Dolphins held a 72-63 advantage.

The Catfish refused to go quietly. Behind sharp shooting from American import Marcus Williams and steady playmaker Le Huynh Dat, they cut the deficit to four points with under three minutes remaining. But Nha Trang's veteran leadership shone through as they executed their half-court offense, drawing fouls and converting free throws down the stretch to seal the 90-84 victory.

Standout Performances

The Dolphins' balanced scoring attack featured four players in double figures. Center Tran Minh Hieu dominated the paint with 22 points and 12 rebounds, recording his sixth double-double of the season. Shooting guard Pham Van Dung added 18 points, knocking down four three-pointers. For the Catfish, Marcus Williams led all scorers with 26 points, though he struggled with foul trouble in the second half. Le Huynh Dat contributed 15 points and 7 assists, but the team's 14 turnovers proved costly.

Impact on the VBA Standings

The victory improved Nha Trang's record to 11-6, keeping them firmly in playoff contention in the tightly contested VBA. The Catfish dropped to 8-9, but remain within striking distance of a postseason berth. With several key head-to-head matchups remaining in the regular season, every result carries significant weight.

As the VBA season approaches its final stretch, the Dolphins have shown they can win in multiple ways. Their ability to control the tempo and execute under pressure against a tough Catfish squad bodes well for their playoff ambitions. Can Tho, meanwhile, will look to regroup and tighten their defense before their next outing.