The Can Tho Catfish delivered a composed road performance to defeat the Da Nang Dragons 83-76 on June 13, 2026, in a tightly contested Vietnam VBA clash. The victory improved the Catfish’s standing in the league table and highlighted their ability to close out games under pressure.

Match Overview

Playing at the Da Nang Sports Arena, the Dragons started with high energy, capitalizing on home support to build an early lead. However, the Catfish responded with disciplined defense and efficient transition offense, gradually chipping away at the deficit. By halftime, Can Tho had turned the game into a one‑possession affair, setting the stage for a tense second half.

Key Moments

• First Quarter Surge: Da Nang opened with a 10‑2 run, led by sharp shooting from their starting guards. The Dragons’ interior defense forced turnovers, but they could not sustain the intensity.
• Catfish Run in the Third: A 14‑4 burst midway through the third quarter, sparked by back‑to‑back three‑pointers from the Catfish’s backcourt, put Can Tho ahead for the first time. The Dragons called timeout but struggled to regain rhythm.
• Clutch Free Throws: With under two minutes remaining and the score tied at 74‑74, the Catfish’s veteran forward drew a foul and calmly sank two free throws. The Dragons failed to answer, and Can Tho sealed the win with six consecutive points from the line in the final minute.

Tactical Story

The Catfish head coach adjusted after the first quarter, switching to a zone defense that disrupted the Dragons’ half‑court sets. Da Nang’s offense, reliant on dribble penetration, struggled to find passing lanes. On the other end, Can Tho executed a patient pick‑and‑roll game, forcing mismatches and drawing fouls. The Dragons’ lack of interior rim protection was exposed as the Catfish scored 42 points in the paint.

Standout Players

• Can Tho Catfish: The team’s leading scorer, a combo guard, finished with 24 points, 5 assists, and 4 rebounds, including 8‑of‑10 from the free‑throw line. His calm decision‑making in the fourth quarter earned him player‑of‑the‑game honors.
• Da Nang Dragons: The starting power forward recorded a double‑double (18 points, 11 rebounds) but struggled with foul trouble in the second half. His absence during crucial stretches hurt Da Nang’s defensive rebounding.

Season Impact

With the win, the Can Tho Catfish improved to a 5‑3 record in the VBA standings, moving into playoff contention. The Da Nang Dragons fell to 3‑5, dropping to seventh place. For the Dragons, the loss underscored persistent issues with closing out close games—three of their five defeats have come by single‑digit margins. The Catfish, meanwhile, proved they can win on the road against a playoff rival, a valuable trait as the postseason approaches.