HP Aspac win first game in final four

Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta

Favorite HP Aspac of Jakarta chalked up an easy 91-38 win over Bhinneka Sritex of Solo in the first semifinal match of the A Mild Indonesian Basketball League (IBL) at the Senayan Basketball Stadium, Central Jakarta, on Friday.

With the players looking relaxed throughout, HP Aspac took charge from the beginning against their opponents, who by contrast were playing nervously.

The Jakarta-based team wrested a 21-9 lead in the first quarter thanks to brilliant performances by Hari Suharsono and Andi Poedjakesuma.

Bhinneka players tried to close the gap with a more patient run. Though, Aspac still enjoyed a comfortable 36-21 lead at the end of the first half.

Hari and Rico Hantono continued to pummel the Bhinneka defense, helping the team to widen the margin to 59-28.

The final quarter became total one-way traffic with Aspac players shooting and dunking at will while only frustration beset Bhinneka players.

"Our players played perfectly today. They were relaxed during the game," Aspac manager Irawan Haryono said after the match.

"If we play like this in the next match, I'm sure we will beat them again and advance to the finals," he said

Bhinneka coach Edi Santoso said his team struggled to overcome jitters early in the game, making them unable to cope with the brilliant performance of their opponents.

"Our shooters could not do their jobs today," he said. "HP Aspac players brimmed very well during the game and frustrated my team."

Panasia Garuda played Satria Muda Britama later in the evening. The two teams are scheduled to meet in their second game on Saturday while Aspac-Bhinneka's second game will be on Sunday.

In the event that the teams are level after two games, a third deciding game will be played on Monday.