Pacific Bank survives test from CLS

Pacific Bank survives test from CLS

SURAKARTA, Central Java (JP): Pacific Bank Swadesi of Surabaya
survived a testing time against city mate Cahaya Lestari Surabaya
(CLS) 89-84 after five minutes of overtime in the 1999 A Mild
Kobatama national basketball league's fifth series on Sunday.

Home favorite Bhinneka Sritex, an underdog in the tournament,
stunned defending champion Panasia Indosyntec on Sunday 78-71.

Both Pacific and CLS showed their skills in a fast-paced game
at Bhinneka Stadium. CLS surprisingly dominated in the first half
to lead 47-42.

Pacific players began their comeback in the second half as
Bhinneka's fans already in the stadium unexpectedly threw their
weight behind CLS.

"I think the fans supported CLS because Pacific defeated
Bhinneka," said Pacific coach Amran.

Pacific, relying heavily on their forward Pek King Dhay, were
able to deal with the mental pressure from the spectators,
especially in the frenetic final minutes.

They held their lead at 79-76 before CLS' Mulyohadi Soesilo
made an unbelievable throw from the middle of the court to draw
the score equal.

Both teams tried to step up the pace in overtime but CLS
appeared downcast when they were four points behind Pacific.

CLS managed to add another point from a free throw but Pacific
also earned four more points thanks to Wienoto's three-point
throw.

CLS coach Wilyanto Pribadi said his team would have won the
match if the players were more patient.

"My athletes still had the fighting spirit after overcoming
Bima Sakti yesterday."

Wilyanto said the players succumbed to the mental pressure of
the game and ignored his instructions.

Pacific forward King Dhay said he was never overwhelmed by the
pressure from spectators.

"I ignored their booing and whoops. I didn't lose my
concentration due to their shouting," he told The Jakarta Post.

King Dhay was declared the Most Valuable Player (MVP) on
Sunday evening with the highest score of 34 points. (44)