Flaunting their experience, the Che’Lu Bar and Grill Revellers outpoised the Petron-Letran Knights, 96-94, to chalk up its first win in the 2019 PBA D-League, Thursday evening at the Ynares Sports Arena.
Jeff Viernes, the MVP of the last Foundation Cup, unfurled eight of his 18 points in the fourth quarter as he carried the torch for the Revellers in the tight win.
“In these kinds of games, win or lose, I have to go back to the veterans,” said coach Stevenson Tiu.
Viernes’ scoring outburst allowed Che’Lu to wrest control in the end game, with Cris Dumapig’s split from the line making it a 95-92 affair in the final 41.5 seconds.
Jeo Ambohot cut the deficit down to one with an undergoal stab, but Viernes’ split from the line in the final 2.7 ticks gave his side the crucial two-point cushion it needed.
Jerrick Balanza, who is marking his return from brain surgery, had a shot to win the game for the Knights, but his trey went short as the buzzer sounded.
Sean Manganti paced the Revellers with 24 points and nine rebounds, as Rey Suerte had 15 points and three boards.
Che’Lu moved up in the Aspirants Group with this first win.
Alvin Pasaol got a near-triple-double with his 33 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists, as Larry Muyang had 14 points, nine rebounds, and four assists in the loss for Petron-Letran.
The Scores:
Che’Lu 96 — Manganti 24, Viernes 17, Suerte 15, Bautista 12, Dumapig 11, Bringas 9, R. Manalang 3, Taganas 2, P. Manalang 2, Siruma 0.
Petron-Letran 94 — Pasaol 33, Muyang 14, Reyson 10, Ambohot 7, Sangalang 7, Balanza 6, Caralipio 6, Sta. Ana 5, Taladua 4, Pamulaklakin 2, Pambid 0, Galvelo 0.
Quarterscores: 25-19, 49-44, 71-71, 96-94.
