Bhinneka Sritex sets up final rematch at Chase
Bhinneka Sritex sets up final rematch at Chase
JAKARTA (JP): Bhinneka Sritex of Surakarta, Central Java, will
meet home favorite Aspac in the final four of the 1999 A Mild
Kobatama national basketball league, leaving Mahaka Satria Muda
(SM) to challenge defending champion Panasia Indosyntec.
SM holds the runner-up position from Bandung-based Panasia
after a 59-46 (30-26) victory on Saturday at the Senayan
basketball stadium over Bhinneka. It was the two teams last clash
in the Kobatama's sixth serie.
In their two meets, Panasia was unable to down SM, who
finished tenth in the 1998 league.
In the third serie held in Surabaya, Panasia lost to SM 50-53
(30-26). It was Panasia's first defeat this year. SM crushed
Panasia again 73-53 (33-20) at home during the sixth serie's
opening on Nov. 13.
In the fifth series held in Surakarta, Panasia narrowly lost
71-78 (39-41) to host Bhinneka.
Aspac's sole loss of 56-61 (33-23) came from Panasia in their
first encounter in Surabaya. Aspac had a chance to get even on
Friday at home and beat Panasia 79-75 (41-46).
One of Bhinneka's coaches, Chang Thay-yung, said that his
team's loss on Saturday was part of an overall strategy.
"We lost on purpose. I want my team to give up. The players
prefer to play against Aspac. They choose Aspac," Chang told
reporters after the match.
Judging from Bhinneka's overall performances, Chang said his
team was on track to beat Aspac in the finals. He added that
Bhinneka, who was ranked fifth in the 1998 league, would have
difficulties beating SM or Panasia.
"We can't win over SM or Panasia. We are number four. We have
an equal chance against Aspac. It depends on our performance
during the game," he said.
He also complained that the organizer had not been fair by
staging the last two series in Jakarta. "It's not fair. You can
attract more spectators at our home base in Surakarta, or at
Panasia's home base in Bandung. So many people who want to watch
the match will be unable to do so," he said.
The finals will be held on Dec. 4 and Dec. 5 at the Senayan
indoor stadium. (ivy)