WHEN push comes to shove, Jeff Viernes will still be the knight in shining armor for Che'Lu Bar and Grill.
The Foundation Cup MVP fired eight of his 18 points in the fourth quarter to lead the Revellers to a thrilling 96-94 victory over Petron-Letran Thursday in the 2019 PBA D-League at Ynares Sports Arena.
Viernes took charge in the end game for Che'Lu, saving the team from a furious fightback from the Knights before splitting from the line to make it a two-point affair with 2.7 seconds remaining.
Petron-Letran still had a chance to steal the win, but Jerrick Balanza, in his first game since undergoing a brain surgery last year, missed what could have been the game-winning three at the buzzer.
"In these kind of games, win or lose, I have to go back to the veterans," said coach Stevenson Tiu.
Sean Manganti topscored for the Revellers with 24 points and nine rebounds, while Rey Suerte added 15 points and three boards in the team's first win to rise in the Aspirants Group.
Alvin Pasaol flirted with a triple-double with his 33 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists to lead Petron-Letran in the losing cause.
Larry Muyang added 14 points, nine rebounds, and four assists, but his presence down low was sorely missed after fouling out in the fianl 41.5 seconds.
The scores:
CHE'LU BAR AND GRILL 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.
Quarters: 25-19, 49-44, 71-71, 96-94.
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