The Saigon Heat are out for revenge on Sunday, as they face the Mono Vampire Basketball Club in a matchup of very familiar foes.
Gametime is set for 5:30 PM at the CIS Arena, Ho Chi Minh City.
The Heat wasted a career performance from World Import Akeem Scott, as he did not get enough support on offense or team defense in a 91-88 loss to the Westports Malaysia Dragons. However Scott was spectacular, as he finished with 44 points, the highest total this season by a player in regulation. He was also perfect from long range, going 7-7, a remarkable feat for a player who has to face as much hands on defense as Scott does.
The missing piece for the Heat in their loss was reigning Heritage Player of the Week Mike Williams. He struggled from the field all game long against the Dragons, en route to a measly one point output on 0/11 shooting. Williams felt the stingy defense of Josh Munzon, who limited Williams’ offensive production. Though he contributed in different ways, the slim rotation of the Heat means that there’s no room for off-nights for one of their stars.
Mono Vampire on the other hand learned from the humiliating loss to Tanduay Alab Pilipinas last Sunday, as they prevailed 91-88 over the Singapore Slingers. They led by as many as 23 points and held the lead for majority of the game before holding off a late run by the Slingers to pull away with the victory.
Their huge World Import Sam Deguara was unstoppable in notching a double-double performance of 26 points, 18 rebounds and 1 block. Despite playing against one of the best defenders in ABL history in Chris Charles, Deguara was still able to dominate the competition.
Fellow World Import Mike Singletary also rebounded from a so-so performance against Alab Pilipinas to help Mono Vampire. His outside shooting was in full effect once again, notching 26 points and 10 rebounds as he aided his squad in the road win against the Slingers.
The last time Mono Vampire BC and Saigon Heat collided, it was one of the most exciting matches of the season. The Heat were ready to pull away and grab the victory, but the home team rallied back to force overtime. And in the extra period, Mono Vampire simply overwhelmed the Heat, who were without Akeem Scott and David Arnold after both fouled out, to win 116-104.
Which squad will take this crucial Sunday showdown match? Prepare for intense action, Mono Vampire BC and Saigon Heat collide once again in the ABL.
