Jeff Viernes and the desperate Che’Lu Revellers extended the 2018 PBA D-League Foundation Cup Finals with a big 88-81 Game 4 win over the Go for Gold Revellers Tuesday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Conference MVP Jeff Viernes spearheaded the attack, uncorking eight of his 18 points in the fourth quarter, alongside five assists and three rebounds as the Revellers sent the series to Game 5.
“I challenged them nangyari na sa atin yan, gusto niyo ba ulit maging runner-up?” said coach Stevenson Tiu. “At least, may chance pa. It boils down to a Game Five. We haven’t won the championship yet, pero nandyan yung chance.”
Compared to Che’Lu’s other wins, the supporting cast were present to help Viernes this time around.
Jessie Collado added 16 points and 10 rebounds, while Chris Bitoon chimed in 14 points, two boards, and two dimes.
Stephen Siruma also came off the bench with 11 points and nine rebounds, as JayR Taganas muscled his way to 10 points and 16 boards. Levi Hernandez scored 10 in the win.
Che’Lu went on a scathing 8-2 blast to start the fourth frame, which gave them a 75-67 lead and the cushion to weather the late uprisings from Go for Gold.
Gab Banal led the Scratchers with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists, while Matt Salem and Rey Publico scored 14 points apiece.
A champion will finally be crowned as the series turns to Game 5 on Thursday.
The Scores:
Che’lu 88 – Viernes 18, Collado 16, Bitoon 14, Siruma 11, Hernandez 10, Taganas 10, Melano 8, Ruaya 1, De Joya 0.
Go for Gold 81 – Banal 20, Publico 14, Salem 14, Reyes 12, Desiderio 8, Gaco 6, Tolentino 5, Dennison 2, Canada 0, Porter 0, Wong 0.
Quarterscores: 24-16, 47-44, 67-65, 88-81.
