Relentless Slingers inch closer to 2023 ABL Invitational Finals after gritty win against Saigon Heat

After a back-and-forth first half, the Singapore Slingers mounted their traditional second half push to get closer to a record fourth finals appearance in the ASEAN Basketball League after taking game one of their semifinals series against the hosts Saigon Heat  94-82.

The Slingers not only had to battle a very good Saigon Heat team but they also had to contend with a parochial home crowd at the packed Nguyen Du Stadium in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

CJ Gettys, despite fighting through pain due to cramps, led the way with a double-double performance with 24 points and 12 rebounds while shooting four out of six from 3-point range. Kentrell Barkley also proved to be pivotal for the Slingers with 20 points and 10 boards, but a sprained ankle in tbe final 2 minutes had him sit out the end of the game.

 

Most teams have players who are dealing with some injuries and pain during the playoffs but we have had our fair share of injuries in the lead up to as well as during game 1 last night, said Slingers coach Neo Beng Siang. 

The Slingers locals also showed their mettle in a tough environment against the Saigon Heat with Larry Liew leading the way with17 points followed by Jackson Mah’s 11points and Delvin Goh’s who had 6 clutch points that proved to be important for the Slingers to secure the win and get the Slingers one step closer to their goal of making the ABL final. 

The Slingers won most of the statisical catagories shooting 47% from the field against the Heat’s 44%. They also took control of the boards with 47 rebounds versus the host’s 38 which also gave them the upper hand in second chance points with the Slingers scoring 20. The contributions from the bench also gave the Slingers the second wind they needed as they outscored the Heat bench 15 points to 5 points.

The Slingers will now go into game two of their semifinals’ series against the Saigon Heat with more confidence and in the hope of closing out the series on Wednesday night.