2024 Olympics Prequalification: Indonesian Basketball National Team Loses To India For Lack Of Courage

The Indonesian basketball team lost in the second match of the 2024 Olympics pre-qualification. (Photo via Antara/Perbasi)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian men's basketball team failed to win in the second match of the 2024 Olympics Prequalification at Al Fayhaa Stadium Damascus, Syria, Sunday, August 13 evening local time. Dealing with India, the Garuda Squad lost with a score of 74-90.

Indonesia actually put up resistance in the last two quarters. However, that is not enough to stem India from appearing extraordinary in the two early quarters.

Assistant Coach for the Indonesian National Team, Yohanis Winar, said that overall the Indonesian national team was able to provide resistance to India with the capital of young players. However, he admitted, the players did not dare in the first two quarters.

"Only when the two early quarters of the players in defense still make it easier for the opponent to organize the attack. The players also don't dare to go inside, only outside," said Yohanis Winar in an official statement, quoted by Antara, Monday, August 14.

In this match, the Indonesian national team was actually diligent in producing points at the beginning of the first quarter. Juan Laurent Kokodiputra opened the tap for Indonesian points with a three-point shot.

Indian Muin defender Hafeez equalized 6-6 with a two-point shot. Getting wind, India used that moment to overtake Indonesia's points until they took the first quarter with a 25-16 advantage.

Entering the second quarter, Widyanta Putra Teja opened Indonesia's points with two points. Yudha Saputera, who came in to replace Muhammad Arighi, immediately contributed points through a three-point shot.

India does not want to lose aggressively through three Arvind Kumar figures Muthu Krishnan. This second quarter still belongs to India after they added 25 points and Indonesia scored 20 points so India led 50-36 in the first half.

In the third quarter, the Indonesian national team tried to cut the distance. Hendrick Xavi Yonga opened Indonesia's collection of points with three points. But India also did not remain silent by continuing to experiment to maintain dominance.

The third quarter, both Indonesia and India, both saved 19 points so that the third quarter was 69-55 for India's advantage.

In the final quarter, Reza Guntara listed his name on the scoreboard after his three-point shot opened the tap of Indonesia's points. The national team's fierce resistance resulted in 19 points in this quarter. But India also scored 21 points so they have the right to win the match with a 90-74 advantage.

Marques Bolden is the top scorer for Indonesia with 23 points and 9 rebounds. Meanwhile, from India, Muin Bek Hafeez scored the most points with 15 points and 5 assists.