Pelita Jaya Increases Opportunities To Maintain IBL Title

Pelita Jaya won in the first game of the 2025 IBL final against Dewa United (Instagram/@pelitajayabasketball).

JAKARTA Pelita Jaya Jakarta increased their chances of defending the Indonesia Basketball League (IBL) title after winning in the first game of the 2025 season final against Dewa United Banten.

The clash between the two teams took place at the Dewa United Arena, Tangerang, Banten, on Thursday, July 17, 2025, WIB night. Pelita Jaya as the defending champion, performed very well to secure a 94-77 victory.

In this duel, Dewa United as the host only gave resistance in the first quarter. On that occasion, they could match the opposing team and share the score 23-23.

In the second quarter, Pablo Favarel's custody piled up. They only scored 10 points, while the opposing team was able to add 22 points to close the first half with a 45-33 lead.

The match was tight again in the second half. Pelita Jaya Jakarta got fierce resistance so they were only three points ahead, 21-18.

Dewa United struggled to stem Pelita Jaya's appearance until the final quarter. Although they were able to score 26 points, Pelita Jaya also managed to get 28 points to close the match and get 1-0 advantage.

Jerome Anthony Beane Jr. cannot be stopped by Dewa United in this clash. The number 88 player recorded 22 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and five steals in Pelita Jaya's victory.

K. J. McDaniels and Jeffree Withey scored double-double. McDaniels posted 19 points and 10 rebounds, while Withey contributed 10 points and 13 rebounds.

Pelita Jaya will automatically defend their title if they win in the second game later. The clash will take place at GOR Soemantri Brodjonegoro, Jakarta, on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 19.00 WIB.

If Dewa United wins the match, there will be a third game to determine the title. The game will take place on Sunday, July 20, 2025.