Saigon Heat lost to Tanduay Alab Pilipinas of the Philippines 95-87 in the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) at the CIS Arena in HCM City on January 28.

Saigon Heat vs Tanduay Alab Pilipinas of the Philippines at the ASEAN Basketball League at the CIS Arena in HCM City on January 28. — Photo ABL

Taking advantage of playing at home, the Heat controlled the first quarter and had many three-point shots through Maxie Esho and Moses Morgan. However, Justin Brownlee helped the visitors narrow the gap, leaving his team down 21-20 after the first.

In the second period, the two teams scored points in turns. In the last minutes, Morgan scored eight points for the Heat to end the half with the score of 47-42 in favour of the Heat.

Pilipinas coach Jimmy Alapag made successful adjustments in the final two quarters, assigning Justin Brownlee to follow Morgan of the Heat to limit his scoring chances.

Although coach Kyle Julius of the Heat also changed his team’s tactics, the Pilipinas pulled away to record a 95-87 victory.

Pilipinas’s victory is their third straight, and they climb to fourth place in the standings. While the Heat lost their third straight game, falling to sixth position.

The Heat will next meet Hong Kong Eastern, who top the rankings, on February 4 at CIS Arena. — VNS