Snapping their two-game losing streak was the sense of reprieve Charles Tiu and the Go for Gold Scratchers have been wanting for the last two weeks.
Go for Gold, who were once on top of the Foundation Cup table, lost two of its pivotal players. But it was not because of an injury.
Gab Banal and Vince Tolentino, who have been pulling double-duty with the Bacoor Strikers and the Bataan Risers respectively, have been disallowed to play for the Scratchers for the time being.
“We have no players. Vince Tolentino is not being allowed by his team and Gab Banal is gone for now,” disclosed Tiu after Go for Gold’s 135-91 rout of the AMA Titans.
Tiu though is starting to worry if his six other players will be called-up to remain with their MPBL teams in the next few days.
Jai Reyes is playing for the Laguna Herones, Jerwind Gaco is with the Imus Bandera, Kris Porter and Ron Dennison are both lined up with the Navotas Clutch, while James Martinez and Dan Wong are suiting up for the Bulacan Kuyas.
Moreover, the UP Fighting Maroons will be asking Paul Desiderio to leave the Scratchers come next week as they are set to rev up their preparations for the UAAP Season 81 Men’s Basketball Tournament.
With this predicament, Tiu could not help but throw a quip on who he might call when he needs help.
“Baka si Chris Tiu na palaruin namin.”
