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)