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)