HÀ NỘI — Despite playing away from home, Việt Nam’s representative Saigon Heat beat Mono Vampire of Thailand in the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) on Wednesday.

The Heat dominated the game in the first quarter. Through strong fist-quarter performances from Murphy Burnatowski (five points), Kyle Barone (eight points) and Corey Cilia (six points), the Heat took a lead of 25-17.

Seeing his team playing poorly, Mono Vampire coach Douglas Marty changed his tactics and it immediately brought success. Moses Morgan, Malcolm White and Michael Singletary together contributed 27 points to help Vampire come from behind to lead 52-47.

The Heat played more carefully in the third period and the score stayed close throughout. Chris Dierker helped the Heat take a 68-66 lead in the final seconds of the period.

The Heat scored 11 points in the first four minutes of the last quarter to lead 79-66.

Despite trying their best in the remaining time, Mono Vampire could not reverse the situation and accepted a loss of 98-83.

Kyle Barone shone with 28 points, 17 rebounds and three assists to help the Heat win.

With this win, the Heat maintain second place in the ABL rankings with 10 wins and four losses. San Miguel Alab Pilipinas still lead with eight wins and two losses, while Formosa Dreamers are third with nine wins and five losses.

The Heat will next face Singapore Slingers at OCBC Arena on January 27. — VNS