Saigon Heat celebrate winning the VBA title for the first time in their history. — Photo webthethao.vn

HÀ NỘI — Saigon Heat have been crowned champions after beating Cantho Catfish in the fifth match of the Việt Nam Basketball Association (VBA) Final.

It is the first time the team from Ho Chi Minh City have won the title.

The deciding match was held at the Cần Thơ Stadium in the southern province of Cần Thơ.

With the support of the home fans behind them, the hosts showed their power with continuous attacks to the net in the early stages.

Lê Hiếu Thành and Sang Đinh were in top form helping the defending champions to a 29-17 lead at the end of the first quarter.

But the second quarter told a different story. American Tavarion Nix scored 11 points and Richard Nguyễn hit five to help the Heat narrow the gap.

The Heat then maintained their form after their break. Nix once again played led the line managing six points and Nguyễn hit eight helping Heat take a 57-54 lead.

Saigon Heat celebrate beating Cantho Catfish in the VBA Final on Tuesday. — Photo webthethao.vn

The hosts fought back strongly in the dying minutes. However, they missed many chances losing by just a single point 68-69 on the whistle.

Nix of the Heat won the MVP of the final game with 30 points, 20 rebounds, four assists and two blocks. — VNS

Tavarion Nix of Saigon Heat celebrates with his girlfriend. — Photo webthethao.vn