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)