MANILA – Che’Lu Bar and Grill Revellers clawed back from a double-digit deficit to score a 100-96 win over Go for Gold Scratchers in Game 1 of the 2018 PBA D-League Foundation Cup Finals at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Conference MVP contender Jeff Viernes led the way with 34 points – with 27 coming in the second half – to go along with eight rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
Down by as much as 15 points, 59-44, in the first half on Thursday night, Viernes anchored the Revellers’ fight-back by dropping 15 of his total points in the third quarter.
In the final quarter they were able to snatch the lead at 99-96 before cramping up late in the match that caused Viernes to miss two free throws.
The Scratchers had a chance to send the match into overtime but Jai Reyes misfired his three-point try. A split free throw by Chris Bitoon sealed the come-from-behind win for the Revellers.
“Alam na nila kung gaano kasakit na kahit nanalo ka ng Game 1 tapos ma-back-to-back games ka tapos ‘di mo makuha ‘yung kampeonato. Alam na nila ‘yung feeling at alam nilang ayaw din nila maulit ‘yun,” Viernes said.
Ilonggo Bitoon added 22 points and seven rebounds. Jessie Collado chimed in 13 points, four boards, and three assists while JayR Taganas went a point short of a double-double with his nine points and 10 rebounds for the Revellers.
“They simply didn’t want to lose,” said Revellers head coach Stevenson Tiu. “Sa halftime, walang gustong mag-back down. After that, nakita ninyo ‘yung transformation started sa third quarter.”
Gabriel Banal finished with near triple-double performance of 24 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists, while Reyes and Kris Porter added 11 markers apiece for the Scratchers./PN
