Sporting a complete lineup after weeks of agony, the Go for Gold-CSB Scratchers bounced back with a 102-87 victory over Batangas-EAC, Thursday in the 2019 PBA D-League at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Justin Gutang scattered 20 points, eight assists, six steals, and three rebounds to lead the Scratchers to their second win in five outings and improve their standing in the Aspirants Group.
Roosevelt Adams also had his best showing to date with his 18 points and 12 rebounds. Teen center Jeremiah Pangalangan added 11 of his 13 points in the first quarter spurt.
Go for Gold-CSB was not able to sustain their groove, however, losing its 17-point lead, 28-11, as Batangas-EAC fought back and made a game out of it in the second frame.
Prince Carlos broke an 84-all deadlock with back-to-back treys to put the Scratchers up, 90-84 lead with 5:08 remaining. Gutang and Adams then wrapped the game up with their hits.
Yankie Haruna added 13 points and five boards off the bench, while Carlos and Robi Nayve combined for 20.
“Di ako happy. We’re up by seventeen, akala nila ang galing nila. We almost lost this game,” lamented coach Charles Tiu, who committed 28 turnovers in the game.
Allan Martin led Batangas-EAC (1-4) with 17 points, while Clark Derige got 13 points, seven boards, and two dimes in the defeat.
The Scores:
Go for Gold-CSB 102 –– Gutang 20, Adams 18, Haruna 13, Pangalangan 13, Carlos 10, Nayve 10, Naboa 9, Leutcheu 6, Dixon 2, Pasturan 1, Young 0, Pili 0, Lim 0, Velasco 0, Belgica 0.
Batangas-EAC 87 –– Martin 17, Derige 13, Fuentes 9, De Joya 8, Dela Pena 7, De Guzman 7, Taywan 7, Corilla 5, Carlos 4, Mendoza 4, Cruz 2, Robin 2, Boffa 1, Amogues 1, Neri 0.
Quarterscores: 28-13, 41-47, 74-75, 102-87.
