IM Texmaco moves step closer to finals berth<\/p>\n
BANDUNG (JP): Jakarta-based Indonesia Muda (IM) Texmaco needs
\none more victory to secure its place in the final round of the
\nKobatama national basketball league after winning its fourth-leg
\nopening match against Surabaya-based Pacific Caesar 104-88 on
\nSaturday.<\/p>\n
In the second game of the evening, host Panasia Indosyntec
\noutclassed defending champion Mahaka Satria Muda 70-47 before
\n5,000 cheering home fans. It was Panasia's first victory over the
\nJakarta-based club in five meetings.<\/p>\n
The result did not affect either clubs' chance of making the
\nfinals in November in Jakarta. League favorite Aspac, which was
\nstill playing Wismilak CLS of Surabaya as of press time, tops the
\nstandings followed by Panasia, Mahaka and IM.<\/p>\n
Relying on Rommy Candra, Indra Alen and Charles Bronson, IM
\nput on a skillful display of speed and long-range shooting.<\/p>\n
Coach Muhammad Rifky said his team only needed one more
\nvictory to secure fourth position in the standings and a place in
\nthe finals. Should it advance to the finals, it will meet the
\ntop-ranked club, while the runner-up will play the third-ranked
\nclub.<\/p>\n
\"One more victory and we are safe. We want to perform well in
\nthis league, and we can't pick our opponent,\" he said after the
\ngame. \"The players were more relaxed and enjoyed the game.\"<\/p>\n
Rifky, himself a former IM player, said the club had a good
\nshot of defeating Panasia on Sunday.<\/p>\n
\"Our players will try to play their normal game. I would
\nrather focus on my team rather than our opponents. If our players
\nplay well, the spectators will like it,\" he said.<\/p>\n
For Pacific, this defeat means it has its work cut out for it
\nif it wishes to avoid relegation. It currently stands in eighth
\nplace with three wins in 12 games, while Bima Sakti Nikko Steel
\nof Malang is at the bottom of the standings with three victories
\nin 11 games. With three wins each, Pacific is better as it beat
\nBima Sakti.<\/p>\n
Pacific team manager Willy Winoto said he was sure his team
\nwould avoid relegation and remain in the top division.<\/p>\n
\"I'm sure Pacific will be able to avoid relegation. We hope we
\ncan defeat Dwidasa Mitra and Bali Jeff Citra Satria Pelita
\n(CSP),\" he said. Pacific will meet Dwidasa of Jakarta on Sunday
\nand CSP on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
In its game, Panasia played aggressively and did not give
\nMahaka the opportunity to get into the flow of the game. The host
\ndominated in the first quarter, taking a 23-16 lead. In the
\nsecond quarter, Panasia extended its lead to 47-31.<\/p>\n
In the third quarter, Mahaka turned the ball over too many
\ntimes and scored a paltry two points on a basket by substitute
\nRonny Ronaldi. Panasia's Antonius Joko Endratmo grabbed three
\nrebounds and had two steals to help Panasia end the quarter with
\na commanding 59-33 lead. Joko ended the game with 10 rebounds and
\nsix steals.<\/p>\n
In the final quarter, Mahaka tried to claw its way back into
\nthe game but fell well short, suffering a comprehensive 70-47
\nthrashing.<\/p>\n
Panasia coach Dedy Kuskanto played down the victory, saying
\nthe most important thing for his team was to win the final.<\/p>\n
\"We only want to perform our best. It is likely that we will
\nmeet Mahaka in the finals,\" he said.<\/p>\n
He also attributed Panasia's victory to the support of local
\nfans. (ivy)<\/p>",
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