IM Texmaco moves step closer to finals berth

BANDUNG (JP): Jakarta-based Indonesia Muda (IM) Texmaco needs one more victory to secure its place in the final round of the Kobatama national basketball league after winning its fourth-leg opening match against Surabaya-based Pacific Caesar 104-88 on Saturday.

In the second game of the evening, host Panasia Indosyntec outclassed defending champion Mahaka Satria Muda 70-47 before 5,000 cheering home fans. It was Panasia's first victory over the Jakarta-based club in five meetings.

The result did not affect either clubs' chance of making the finals in November in Jakarta. League favorite Aspac, which was still playing Wismilak CLS of Surabaya as of press time, tops the standings followed by Panasia, Mahaka and IM.

Relying on Rommy Candra, Indra Alen and Charles Bronson, IM put on a skillful display of speed and long-range shooting.

Coach Muhammad Rifky said his team only needed one more victory to secure fourth position in the standings and a place in the finals. Should it advance to the finals, it will meet the top-ranked club, while the runner-up will play the third-ranked club.

"One more victory and we are safe. We want to perform well in this league, and we can't pick our opponent," he said after the game. "The players were more relaxed and enjoyed the game."

Rifky, himself a former IM player, said the club had a good shot of defeating Panasia on Sunday.

"Our players will try to play their normal game. I would rather focus on my team rather than our opponents. If our players play well, the spectators will like it," he said.

For Pacific, this defeat means it has its work cut out for it if it wishes to avoid relegation. It currently stands in eighth place with three wins in 12 games, while Bima Sakti Nikko Steel of Malang is at the bottom of the standings with three victories in 11 games. With three wins each, Pacific is better as it beat Bima Sakti.

Pacific team manager Willy Winoto said he was sure his team would avoid relegation and remain in the top division.

"I'm sure Pacific will be able to avoid relegation. We hope we can defeat Dwidasa Mitra and Bali Jeff Citra Satria Pelita (CSP)," he said. Pacific will meet Dwidasa of Jakarta on Sunday and CSP on Tuesday.

In its game, Panasia played aggressively and did not give Mahaka the opportunity to get into the flow of the game. The host dominated in the first quarter, taking a 23-16 lead. In the second quarter, Panasia extended its lead to 47-31.

In the third quarter, Mahaka turned the ball over too many times and scored a paltry two points on a basket by substitute Ronny Ronaldi. Panasia's Antonius Joko Endratmo grabbed three rebounds and had two steals to help Panasia end the quarter with a commanding 59-33 lead. Joko ended the game with 10 rebounds and six steals.

In the final quarter, Mahaka tried to claw its way back into the game but fell well short, suffering a comprehensive 70-47 thrashing.

Panasia coach Dedy Kuskanto played down the victory, saying the most important thing for his team was to win the final.

"We only want to perform our best. It is likely that we will meet Mahaka in the finals," he said.

He also attributed Panasia's victory to the support of local fans. (ivy)