Saigon Heat claimed a 74:66 win against Ho Chi Minh Wings in the VBA on 23 August. The result shifts momentum for the hosts after a run of defeats to the same opponents. Ho Chi Minh Wings, fifth in the standings, have now lost four of their last five.
The two sides have traded blows this season. Ho Chi Minh Wings won three of their previous meetings, including a 76:71 victory just two days before this one. Saigon Heat's last two losses came against their visitors, 71:76 and 77:96. By then the visitors had built a small cushion in the table.
Saigon Heat sit second with nine wins from twelve games. Three losses have kept them from the top spot, but this win puts them level on points with the leader. Ho Chi Minh Wings have four wins and six defeats from ten matches. The gap between them and the top four is narrowing.
The visitors showed signs of life early on. They led 76:71 in their last meeting, a game that looked like another win for them. But Saigon Heat adjusted. They ground out the win here, controlling the tempo when the visitors pushed. The old head settled them down in the final quarter.
What matters most is the swing in form. Saigon Heat lost three of their last five before this match, including two to Ho Chi Minh Wings. This result ends that run. The hosts are closing in on a deal for the top spot, but the season is not over.
