IBL Round 53 of Regular Season

Dominique Sutton

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

Third defeat of league's leader Satria Muda (27-3) against third ranked Pelita Jaya (27-3) 84-75 was the most important game of the last round. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Satria Muda. It was a key game for the top position in the league. American swingman Dominique Sutton (193-1986, college: NCCU) orchestrated the victory by scoring 22 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. His fellow American import guard Dashaun Wiggins (188-1991, college: Portland St.) contributed with 14 points for the winners. American forward Elijah Foster (197-1996, college: Nevada) answered with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 11 rebounds for Satria Muda. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Pelita Jaya have a solid series of four victories in a row. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Prawira and Satria Muda.
The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Prawira as it allowed them to take a leadership position after previous leader's (Satria Muda) loss. Prawira smashed 13th ranked WBS in Bandung 88-63. American center Jarred Shaw (211-1990, college: Utah St.) stepped up and scored 23 points and 6 rebounds (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field) for the winners and Brandone Francis chipped in 13 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Guard Patrick Nikolas (187-1998) responded with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 13 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. Prawira (27-3) have an impressive series of eight victories in a row. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with Pelita Jaya and Satria Muda. WBS lost twelfth consecutive game. They keep the thirteenth place with 21 games lost.
Seventh-ranked Bumi Borneo (15-15) used its home court advantage to challenge fourth ranked Dewa United (20-10) in Pontianak on Saturday. The visitors from Surabaya managed to secure only one-point victory 78-77. However their fans expected easier game. Yeison Colome nailed 28 points and 7 rebounds for the winning side. Randy Bell came up with 33 points (!!!) for Bumi Borneo in the defeat. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Dewa United maintains fourth place with 20-10 record. Bumi Borneo at the other side keeps the seventh position with 15 games lost. They share it with Bali Utd..

There were no big surprises in other games of round 53: Pelita Jaya beat Rans Pik on the road 83-74. Tangerang lost to Prawira on its own court 68-73. Rans Pik managed to outperform Satya Wacana in Gor Merpati 68-59.