The Saigon Heat go to the ABL's Final series after defeating the Singapore Slingers. Photo: thethao247.vn

HCM CITY – The Saigon Heat made history when the Vietnamese team clinched a spot in the ABL’s Final series for the first time. 

The ABL 2023 Playoffs series did not disappoint fan expectations when the host played three emotional games against the Singapore Slingers. After splitting the first two games, the Heat entered the decisive match in a positive mood.

However, the first quarter witnessed a difficult start for the home team Heat as the Slingler, with the excellence of Chanceler Gettys, helped the team to take the lead with mid-range and three-point shots.

The Slingers created a nine-point gap three minutes before halftime. Coach Matt Van Pelt of the Saigon Heat quickly called a time-out to get the confidence of the players back. 

Thanks to that, the Heat narrowed the gap and took over the lead 42-36 before the break. 

The Heat carried their momentum into the third quarter, amassing a 13-point lead. But the Slingers fought back with crucial treys from Gettys and Larry Liew.

The Slingers closed the gap to 64-62 and went in front early in the fourth quarter with the lead changing hands multiple times.

But after the Slingers led 81-78 with just over two minutes to go, point guard of the Heat, Gilyard proved the difference again in front of a vociferous crowd.

He scored his team’s last eight points to help them lead 86-85 and, while he missed his last attempt to hand the Slingers the ball with nine seconds to go, the Singapore team were unable to snatch the win and a Finals spot as all three imports missed their shots.

With this win, the Saigon Heat will face Hong Kong Eastern at the final series. 

Hong Kong Eastern secured its Finals spot with a 76-70 win over NS Matrix Malaysia for a 2-0 series victory. VNS