Saigon Heat celebrates their fifth consecutive VBA championship. Photo courtesy of VBA

HCM CITY - Five-time defending champions Saigon Heat have done it again, this time taking the victory against the Cần Thơ Catfish in game three of the Vietnam Basketball Association finals.

Catfish coach Lê Trần Minh Nghĩa kept the same lineup that succeeded in the semi-finals against the Buffaloes, including starting youngster Lê Hoàng Quân. On the other side, the Heat did not make any changes to their lineup.

In the first quarter, the Catfish focused their attack inside the paint area thanks to the physical dominance of big man Yevgen Sakhniuk.

When the Heat's big man Jevonnie Scott temporarily left the court due to a foul, the home team took advantage of the opportunity to increase the lead.

However, the Heat still took the lead 24-21 after the first quarter thanks to a great showing from Elijah Weaver.

In the second quarter, the Heat increased their lead to eight points due to the impressive performance of Tim Waale and good coordination from key players.

But the Catfish did not give up, shortening the lead to one point (42-41) with two consecutive three-pointers by Dakota Zinser and Tâm Đinh.

The third quarter was tense, with both teams continuously scoring points. Jevonnie Scott's breakthroughs helped the Heat temporarily lead 64-62 before entering the last quarter.

In the final quarter, Elijah Weaver shined with a series of consecutive scores including three three-pointers. With the support of his teammates, they gained a large lead and won 95-83, ending the suspense.

With this result, the Heat became the 2024 VBA champions, earning a total score of 3-0 after the final. This is the fifth consecutive championship win for the Heat in this tournament. VNS