Asean Basketball League: Hong Kong Eastern battle into play-offs final, await opponents

Hong Kong Eastern are set to enjoy an extra day off before the Asean Basketball League (ABL) play-offs final tip off on Saturday.

But head coach Zeljko Pavlicevic played down the importance of any extra rest after the 2017 champions came from behind to defeat NS Matrix 76-70 at Nguyen Du Stadium in Ho Chi Minh City on Wednesday night, winning their semi-final series 2-0 against the Malaysian side.

In the other semi-final, Saigon Heat pushed the series to a decider with an 81-79 overtime win against Singapore Slingers, with Eastern’s opponents still yet to be confirmed.

“Yes, we will have one day off, then we will know who we will play and start making preparations like we always do,” veteran coach Pavlicevic said.

“These are experienced players who will be even more motivated under these kinds of situations. I do not want to say this is some kind of advantage.”

Facing a must-win game, NS Matrix – the only tournament debutants to reach the play-offs this season – came out more determined.