Mahaka SM follows Aspac in pursuit of final berth

BANDUNG (JP): Mahaka Satria Muda (SM) joined the favorites, and champions, Aspac in pursuit of the final berths on Saturday, after defeating Citra Satria Pelita (CSP) 58-57 on the last day of the 1999 A Mild Kobatama National Basketball League's fourth series.

Indonesia Muda (IM) Texmaco should win the remaining five games in the sixth series, or it will likely have to wait until next year's league despite its 78-59 win over underdogs Siliwangi before the home crowd at Padjadjaran basketball stadium here.

CSP led 28-27 in the first half. CSP could have won the match but just before the end one of their players failed to execute a free throw.

In the first game, IM's shooter Raymond Manuhutu collected 28 points and made three rebounds while Taufan of Siliwangi scored 19 points and made three rebounds. Charles Bronson of IM was the top rebounder with 13 while Harris of Siliwangi with 9.

CSP, who finished fourth in the 1998 league after IM, must fight back against the eastern division team in the sixth series to stay in the premier division. While Siliwangi's only hope to evade relegation is in the playoffs.

With its improved management, SM proved it should be taken into account by the national basketball community. This year's achievements are much greater than 1998 when they finished bottom. SM won the playoffs to remain in the premier division.

SM's best moment came when it overwhelmed the 1998 league champion Panasia Indosyntec 53-50 (26-30) from the eastern division in the third series in Surabaya, East Java, earlier this month.

Siliwangi, whose junior players are being prepared for the 15th National Games (PON) in Surabaya next year, resisted IM's constant pressure but experience really counted against Siliwangi, who won the playoffs last year to compete in this year's league.

"Siliwangi faces total failure. We have to start from zero if we want to perform in the premier division. But it's normal if we lose because we were facing a top quality team. Siliwangi were outclassed," said Srigijanto, Siliwangi's coach.

The fifth series will be held at Bhinneka basketball stadium in Surakarta, Central Java, from Oct. 27 to Nov. 1. It will feature five teams from the eastern division: Panasia of Bandung, Bhinneka Sritex of Solo, Cahaya Lestari Surabaya, Pacific Bank Swadesi of Surabaya and Bima Sakti Nikko Steel from Malang. (43)