GO for Gold snared the 2018 PBA D-League Foundation Cup with a 102-92 Game Five triumph over Che'Lu Bar and Grill Thursday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Gab Banal went supernova in the first half, unloading 21 of his 31 points before rescuing the Scratchers late. He also grabbed six rebounds and four assists in the title clincher.
Trailing by as many as 20 points, 66-46, the Revellers made a huge push in the fourth quarter as Chris Bitoon trimmed the lead down to five, 86-81 with 5:49 remaining.
But Banal commanded a quick 8-0 run to bring the lead back to 13, 94-81 as Go for Gold became the eighth team to win the cup.
It was a sweet victory for Banal, who dedicated the win to his ailing dad, coach Joel Banal.
"My dad was enough motivation for me," he said.
Matt Salem added 15 points, Kris Porter got 14 points, four boards, and three assists, and Ron Dennison had 11, seven, and five in the conquest.
"From the start, I really felt we're the best team, not because of me but because the players. They are that talented and I told them, you just have to want it more," said coach Charles Tiu.
Chris Bitoon paced Che'Lu Bar and Grill in another bridesmaid finish with 20 points and four rebounds, while Jason Melano had 17 points and eight boards in the defeat.
It was a nightmare of a showing for Conference MVP Jeff Viernes, who was held to 15 points on a 4-of-12 shooting from the field, to go with six rebounds, and three assists against seven turnovers.
The scores:
GO FOR GOLD 102 — Banal 31, Salem 15, Porter 14, Dennison 11, Reyes 9, Tolentino 8, Canada 6, Desiderio 6, Gaco 2, Publico 0.
CHE'LU BAR AND GRILL 92 — Bitoon 20, Melano 17, Viernes 15, Hernandez 13, Collado 11, Taganas 8, Siruma 6, Ruaya 2, De Joya 0.
Quarters: 27-18, 55-40, 83-65, 102-92.
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