IM Texmaco ends Aspac's winning streak
JAKARTA (JP): Aspac finally tasted the agony of defeat at the 2000 Nuvo Kobatama basketball league in a see-saw match against IM Texmaco on Tuesday.
The spirited IM pushed Aspac to its limits during the match, which it won 73-70. Despite the loss, Aspac remains on the top of the standings, thanks to the team's nine wins.
Aspac got off to a brisk start as it raced to a 16-4 lead in the first quarter, but was soon left trailing right up to the final buzzer.
Suko Waluyo knocked down two points for Aspac to level the tie at 33-33. But 21 seconds later, Indra Allen scored another two to put IM ahead.
Aspac again evened the scoreline through diminutive forward Andi Poejakusuma, but his efforts were in vain after a successful free throw from Allen.
An assist from Patrick Gosal helped Sumantri increase IM's lead to 38-35 but Aspac's newly-hired center Saut Lambok Jonson managed to narrow the margin by one point to 38-37 with free throws.
Allen again made it 39-37 with a free throw but Andi sank an equalizer 43 seconds later, thanks to Allen's futile defensive rebound.
As the match became tighter IM closed the third quarter with a 51-49 lead.
A few seconds into the final quarter, Andi threw the match wide open with an equalizer. Charles Bronson scored two points to help IM regain its lead at 58-55.
Jonson kept Aspac's hopes alive with a well-angled two-pointer and a free throw which closed the deficit at 63-60. The match turned ugly and Agustinus Ferry Rinaldo of Aspac was given another free throw after Gosal bumped him out of the court.
Inal, as Rinaldo fondly called, only managed to execute one of the free throws to make it 63-61. Lucky Pinontoan blasted a two- pointer for IM, before Sumantri added another two points.
Jonson produced a last-ditch scoring effort when he escaped IM's tight defense to bring the scoreline to 65-63. But Chandra was unstoppable in a fast break that ended up with a two-pointer.
Earlier, Wismilak CLS of Surabaya beat Bima Sakti Nikko Steel of Malang 94-86.
IM's coach M. Rifky said he was satisfied with his team's ability to overcome their psychological barriers. "We always underestimate teams which are below our level. But we now play a team which is above our level. I asked them to pump up their self-confidence and today they were brave enough to make attempts."
Chandra, who was elected the Most Valuable Player of the match, said that his team had found the best offensive way to break through Aspac's defense. "I'm proud because I can unite all the team in a special rotation."
While Andi said that he was satisfied with his performance, the defeat was upsetting. "I'm disappointed that we can't win. But I'm satisfied with the way we played." (ivy)