IM Texmaco recovers to down Citra Satria Pelita 57-54

IM Texmaco recovers to down Citra Satria Pelita 57-54

BANDUNG (JP): Indonesia Muda (IM) Texmaco revived its hope for
a place in the finals with a 57-54 defeat of Citra Satria Pelita
(CSP) in third-day action of the fourth series of the 1999 A Mild
Kobatama National Basketball League here on Wednesday.

In the second match, Mahaka SM overwhelmed underdog Siliwangi
103-63.

Even with the absence of its top scorer, forward Rommy
Chandra, IM was able to come back from a 17-36 half-time deficit
to down CSP. Rommy missed the game with an injury he sustained
against Aspac on Monday.

CSP, relying on veteran players Nano Sukarma and Jose Rizal,
could not withstand IM's pressure and became visibly deflated in
the final minutes of the game.

Nano was his team's top scorer with 24, while IM was lead by
Raymond Manuhutu's 20 points. CSP's Nala and Charles Bronson of
IM lead their respective teams with 10 rebounds each.

IM coach Hakiem Rachman said he was satisfied with his team's
play, adding his players were motivated to win on Wednesday
following its loss to Aspac on Monday.

"(My team) benefited from the deteriorating physical condition
of the CSP players. This caused our shooting and ball movement to
sharpen toward the end. I'm very pleased my players were willing
to work hard to win the game. I also thank our fans," he said.

CSP will match up against league favorite Aspac on Thursday.

The fourth series features five team from the western
division: Aspac, Mahaka Satria Muda (SM), IM, CSP and Siliwangi.

Aspac is undefeated after two matches, while IM and CSP each
have one win and one loss.

Siliwangi had never won any game so far and its fate in the
premier division would likely be decided in the playoffs.(43)