Saigon Heat yesterday beat Mono Vampire of Thailand 87-76 in their last home match of the year.

Without their star player Christien Charles, the Vampires struggled in the opening quarter.

De Angelo Hamilton, Chris Dierker and Kyle Barone all found the net to push the home side into a 20-14 lead.

The Vampires came out strong after the break but found themselves up against a tough Heat defence, buoyed by their home support at HAM City’s CIS Arena, finishing the quarter 41-29 in front.

The visitors changed their tactic in Q3 with Michael Singletary starring helping his team take the lead.

This setback kickstarted the home side who rallied in the final quarter with Hamilton and Barone shining and helping the Heat win by 11 points.

Barone was man of the match with a total of 33 points and 18 rebounds. Saigon Heat increased their winning rate to 66.7 per cent and stayed at the fifth position.

They will next play away against Westports Malaysia Dragons on January 2.  - VNS