Pelita Jaya Wins 10th Anniversary Victory At IBL 2024 By Overcoming Borneo Hornbills 79-72

Pelita Jaya Basketball celebrates their pass to the 2024 Asian Champions League Basketball (BCL) which will be played in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), on June 9-15, 2024. (photo: dock. intermediate)

JAKARTA - Pelita Jaya (PJ) Basketball extended their winning streak in the 2024 Indonesian Basketball League (IBL) after defeating Borneo Hornbills with a score of 79-72 at the Jakarta State University (UNJ) GOR, East Jakarta, on Friday night, May 3.

Despite lowering core squads such as Andakara Prastawa, Jerome Beane Junior, Kevin McDaniels, Agas Goantara, and Vincent Kosasih, PJ had difficulty facing fierce resistance from Borneo who had longer rest before the match.

In the first quarter, PJ was 10-5 ahead, but Borneo managed to turn things around by netting 11 points in a row, ending with a 16-10 advantage for Borneo. However, PJ managed to close the first quarter with a score of 18-16.

The two teams battled each other's attacks in the second quarter, with a brilliant performance by Michael Qualls from Borneo who contributed 14 points. Borneo still leads with a two-point lead at the end of the second quarter with a score of 40-36.

Entering the second half, PJ coach Johannis Winar still had difficulty finding the right formula to overcome Borneo's game, while his players also had difficulty finding the target.

In the last minute of the third quarter, PJ was 10 points behind, but managed to cut the gap to five points thanks to Jerome Junior's contribution. In the last quarter, PJ continued to approach, and with a three-point shot from Andakara Prastawa, they managed to equalize the score to 71-71.

PJ managed to take control of the game in the last minute with better firing accuracy. They managed to win the game with a score of 79-72.

This victory marked the tenth successive victory of PJ at IBL 2024, making them leaders of the standings with 25 points from 12 wins and only one loss.

On the other hand, this defeat put Borneo Hornbills in eighth position in the standings with 18 points, four wins and 10 defeats.

Furthermore, PJ will face Dewa United at Dewa United Arena, Tangerang, while Borneo will face RANS Simba Bogor at the Vocational School Gymnasium IPB, Bogor.