Basketball

HÀ NỘI — Saigon Heat will meet Singapore Slingers in the last match of the qualifying round of the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) on Saturday.

The game is scheduled to take place at 5pm at the Hồ Xuân Hương Gymnasium in HCM City.

The Heat beat the Slingers, who were missing key player Xavier Alexander, last Sunday, 88-71.

As far as positioning is concerned, the upcoming match-up will have no bearing as the seedings for the playoffs have already been decided, but both teams are hoping to gain more momentum heading into the post-season.

The Heat are coming off an overtime loss to the Hong Kong Eastern Long Lions on Wednesday, 110-97, after letting the game slip away.

Nevertheless, international import Jordan Henriquez has drawn attention after strong performances for the Heat in their past three games.

Henriquez averaged 22.7 points, 19.7 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game last week, leading the Heat to key victories which enabled them to clinch the final playoff berth. The big man was also named ABL player of the week for his efforts.

According to coach Anthony Garbelotto, Henriquez is key to the success of the Heat. He has good defensive skills and a clever technique.

Meanwhile, Singapore Slingers have had a rough second half of the regular season. After opening the tournament with a league-best 8-2 record, the Slingers have stumbled in the second half, winning only four of nine matches.

The upcoming game will enable the Slingers to tighten up their game and address issues as they prepare for the playoffs.

For the Heat, it is also a chance to further fine-tune their level of play as they brace for more difficult challenges ahead. — VNS