Heat outplay Catfish to keep top spot

Saigon Heat had another victory against Cantho Catfish to keep their top spot. Photo courtesy of VBA 

HCM CITY - A tough match for the Cantho Catfish was expected when they had to face the "unstoppable" Saigon Heat. 

Even the Catfish's best player "Bam" Griffin could not play after he was suspended for three technical fouls since the beginning of the season.

A loss for Catfish was expected before the game even started. 

With strong determination to win to secure their top position, the Heat players including Kentrell Barkley, Hassan Thomas and Nguyễn Huỳnh Phú Vinh quickly scored to help the home team lead 10-1.

Without Griffin, Nguyễn Hoàng Tú suddenly scored important points for the guest from the three-point line. Within three minutes, Hoàng Tú made three three-pointers to help the guest end the first quarter with the score 36-23 for the Heat. 

In the second quarter, Võ ​​Kim Bản continued to help the Heat increase the lead to 16 points from the three-point line 

The Catfish fought back to cut down the lead to 39-32 with scores from Michael Soy, Joshua Keyes and Lê Ngọc Tú. 

Before the break, Kentrell Barkley of the Heat once again proved his high level when he showed a phenomenal performance.

The Heat ended the first half with the lead 55-39.

After the break, the Heat's players sped up their play, and the Catfish's defence couldn't prevent the Heat attack. 

The home team finished the third quarter leading 88-58.

In the last quarter, coach Matt Van Pelt of the Saigon Heat let his reserve players play, but the home team still controlled the game.

Tony Hoàng Tú and Anthony Sundberg had career highs, scoring 14 and 13 points, respectively. 

The match ended with the final score 111-70. Kentrell Barkley got another Player of the Game award with 27 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists. VNS