VietNamNet Bridge – Vietnam’s Saigon Heat lost to San Miguel Alab Pilipinas 85-96 in the play-off round of the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) at the CIS Arena in HCM City on Saturday.

Saigon Heat vs San Miguel Alab Pilipinas in the play-off round of the ABL at the CIS Arena in HCM City on Saturday. — Photo courtesy of organising board

With this loss, they had to say goodbye to the event.

The Philippines will face defending champions, Hong Kong Eastern Basketball Team on April 11 in the semi-final.

There was little to separate the two teams in the first quarter, with the visitors just edging it 27-28.

In the next phase, the Heat fought back strongly with many three-point shots but Alab Pilipinas still finished the half four points ahead with the score at 42-46..

In the third period, the Heat’s key player, Maxie Esho was temporarily forced to leave the game because of injury. Taking full advantage, the visitors crushed the hosts 73-59.

Although Esho hadn’t fully recovered, he still played in the last quarter. The Heat made every effort through Esho, captain Akeem Scott and David Arnold, but it wasn’t enough, and the match finished 85-96.

Source: VNS