IBL Round 24: Pelita Jaya edges Satria Muda by two points

Respati Pamungkas

Here is the last round review presented by ESL.

The most exciting game of round 24 in the IBL took place in Jakarta. This derby game ended with only two-point home defeat of one of their biggest challengers Satria Muda (9-9) to second ranked Pelita Jaya (11-7) 58-56 in the game for the second place. Pelita Jaya held Satria Muda to an opponent 23.5 percent shooting from the field compared to 36.8 percent accuracy of the winners. The best player for the winners was the former international Respati Pamungkas (180-91) who scored 14 points and 6 rebounds. American guard Carlton Hurst (190-94, college: S.Dakota) chipped in 11 points and 5 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was international Avan Seputra (189-94) who recorded 12 points and 5 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Pelita Jaya maintains second position with 11-7 record behind leader Stapac, which they share with Bima Perkasa. Defending champion Satria Muda keeps the third place with nine games lost.
An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Jakarta. First ranked Stapac faced 4th ranked Prawira. Host Stapac (17-1) smashed guests from Bandung (8-10) 89-69. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Prawira. It was a good game for American guard Kendal Yancy (190-94, college: Texas) who led his team to a victory with 14 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists. Savon Goodman contributed with 16 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. American guard Brachon Griffin (185-92, college: Elizabeth City, agency: SDJ Sports) replied with 15 points and 8 assists for Prawira. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Stapac have an impressive 13-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 17-1 record. Prawira at the other side keeps the fourth place with ten games lost.
Leader NSH delivered the twelfth victory on Sunday night. This time they beat 5th ranked Satya Wacana (4-14) 98-88 in Jakarta. The game was dominated by American players. Worth to mention a quality performance of Dashaun Wiggins who helped to win the game recording 40 points (!!!) and 4 assists. The best for the losing side was Raymond Miller with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 24 rebounds. Satya Wacana's coach Efri Meldi rotated twelve players in this game, but that didn't help. NSH have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 12-6 record. Loser Satya Wacana keeps the fifth place with 14 games lost.
The game in Pandang was also worth to mention about. Second ranked Bima Perkasa (11-7) played at the court of 5th ranked Hang Tuah (6-12). Bima Perkasa defeated Hang Tuah 80-69. The game was also dominated by American players. The winners were led by David Atkinson who had that evening a double-double by scoring 37 points (!!!) and 13 rebounds. Bima Perkasa maintains second position with 11-7 record behind leader Stapac, which they share with Pelita Jaya. Hang Tuah lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the fifth place with 12 games lost.