Saigon Heat vs China’s Hong Kong Eastern in the finals of ABL 2023 on Tuesday. Photo tinmoi-247.com

Basketball

HCM CITY — Saigon Heat finished second at the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) 2023 after they lost to China’s Hong Kong Eastern in the finals.

At the third thrilling game of the finals held at Nguyễn Du Gymnasium in HCM City on Tuesday, the Heat lost 73-60, ending the series 2-1 to Eastern.

The gymnasium was almost full of spectators to cheer for the home team. They hoped the Heat would have a win against the Eastern, however, the visitors disappointed the hometown fans.

China’s Hong Kong Eastern celebrate winning the ABL 2023. Photo sggp.org.vn

Heat head coach Matt Van Pelt was absent for his personal reasons and assistant coach David John Grice replaced him at the helm.

Saigon Heat missed their opportunity to win the tournament for the first time, however, their achievement at this year's tournament still created a milestone for the Vietnamese basketball.

Heat have reached the semi-finals of the tournament three times. VNS