IBL Round 11: NSH lose to Stapac

Kendal Yancy

Here is the last round review presented by ESL.

The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of NSH (6-3) in Jakarta on Friday night. Hosts were rolled over by Stapac (9-1) 75-50. Stapac outrebounded NSH 49-25 including a 37-17 advantage in defensive rebounds. It was a great evening for American guard Kendal Yancy (190-94, college: Texas) who led his team to a victory scoring 12 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. International Kaleb Gemilang (183-91) helped adding 17 points. American power forward Anthony Simpson (202-87, college: Kent St.) responded with 15 points and 8 rebounds. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Stapac have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They maintain first place with 9-1 record which they share with defeated NSH. NSH at the other side still keeps top position with three games lost. Stapac's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Jakarta Satria Muda.
Important game to mention about took place in Jakarta. Fifth ranked Prawira (3-5) saved a 2-point derby victory on the road edging second-ranked Satria Muda (4-3) 79-77 on Friday evening. It was an exceptional evening for American Dalarian Williams (198, college: Life) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 13 rebounds. Brachon Griffin accounted for 21 points and 12 assists. American forward Dior Lowhorn (201-87, college: USF) came up with a double-double by scoring 24 points and 17 rebounds for Satria Muda in the defeat. Satria Muda's coach tried various players' combinations and tested in total twelve players in this game, but that didn't help. Prawira moved-up to third place, which they share with Bima Perkasa and Pacific Caesar. Defending champion Satria Muda keeps the second position with three games lost. They share it with Pelita Jaya. Prawira will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Satria Muda will play on the road against the league's leader Stapac in Jakarta and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Very important is a home loss of second ranked Pelita Jaya (4-3) against fifth ranked Siliwangi (3-6) on Friday night. Host Pelita Jaya was defeated by Siliwangi in a tough game in Jakarta 58-67. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Pelita Jaya. The best player for the winners was Michael Vigilance who had a double-double by scoring 20 points and 23 rebounds. Wayne Bradford produced 17 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists for the hosts. Pelita Jaya's coach let to play ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Siliwangi moved-up to fourth place. Loser Pelita Jaya keeps the second position with three games lost. They share it with Satria Muda. Siliwangi will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Pelita Jaya will play against Bima Perkasa in Sakti and hope to secure a win.
The game between Top Four teams took place in Pandang. Third ranked host Hang Tuah (5-4) defeated 4th placed Satya Wacana (2-7) 100-96. Americans were the main players on the court. Jarad Scott orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 34 points (!!!) and 14 rebounds. Satya Wacana's coach Efri Meldi gave the chance to play for ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Hang Tuah moved-up to second place. Satya Wacana lost their seventh game in a row. They dropped to the fifth position with seven games lost. Hang Tuah will have a break next round. Satya Wacana will play at home against the league's leader NSH (#1) and hope to win that game.