Che’Lu gutted out a tough 77-72 thriller over Family Mart-Enderun Tuesday at JCSGO Gym in Cubao to keep itself in the running for the 2019 PBA D-League playoffs.
Jeff Viernes drilled the go-ahead triple with 43.5 seconds left that broke a 72-all deadlock and complete the Revellers’ rally from a 15-point hole and an eight-point deficit, 68-60, in the last five minutes of the game.
He finished with 13 points, five rebounds, and five assists as Che’Lu improved to 6-3 in the Aspirants Group.
“No matter what happens, we should end with a win,” said coach Stevenson Tiu. “Wala na sa kamay namin ang fate namin. We’re just hoping for the better na lang.”
Alfred Batino led his side with a double-double in the tune of 14 points and 17 rebounds, as Rey Suerte got 13 points and four boards in the victory.
But defense was the key for the Revellers, forcing the Titans to commit six turnovers in the final three minutes to steal the game late.
Valandre Chauca carried Family Mart-Enderun (1-7) with 18 points and eight assists, as Fonso Gotladera had 17.
The Scores:
Che’Lu 77 — Batino 14, Viernes 13, Suerte 13, Bautista 10, Dagangon 9, Collado 7, Dumapig 4, Taganas 3, Manalang 2, Siruma 2, Gabo 0, Bringas 0, Ng 0.
FamilyMart-Enderun 72 –– Chauca 18, Gotladera 17, Hayes 13, Escoto 9, Kuoakou 3, Nunez 3, Gatdula 3, Dungan 3, Vidal 2, Sacundo 1, Tancioco 0, Dela Cruz 0.
Quarterscores: 12-22, 38-42, 54-62, 77-72.
