JEFF Viernes buried the go-ahead triple as Che'Lu Bar and Grill completed a fightback from 15 points down to stun also-ran Family Mart-Enderun, 77-72, on Tuesday at JCSGO Gym in Cubao and stay in contention in the 2019 PBA D-League playoffs.
The former league MVP completed the Revellers' rally from an early 32-17 deficit, drilling the dagger trey with 43.5 seconds left before their defense did the trick in the endgame to hike their record to 6-3 in the Aspirants Group.
Viernes finished with 13 points, five rebounds and five assists, Alfred Batino notched a double-double of 14 points and 17 rebounds, while Rey Suerte got 13 points and four boards.
"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."
It was a tough defeat for the Titans, who looked poised to pull off the stunner after holding a 68-60 lead in the last five minutes.
But the young Family Mart-Enderun squad committed four crucial turnovers in the last three minutes to allow Che'Lu to rally back and steal the win.
Valandre Chauca topped the Titans (1-7) with 18 points and eight assists, while Fonso Gotladera had 17.
The scores:
Che’Lu Bar 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.
Family Mart-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.
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