Che’Lu lives on, forces winner-take-all Game 5

Newly-crowned MVP Jeff Viernes got plenty of help this time as Che’Lu Bar and Grill defeated Go for Gold, 8881, last night to force a deciding fifth game in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup Finals at the Ynares Sports Arena at the Pasig City.

Viernes, who received the award prior to tipoff, finished with 18 points, three rebounds and five assists but teammates Jesse Collado, Chris Bitoon, Stephen Siruma, Jay-R Taganas and Levi Hernandez also made their presence felt to give the Revellers the needed jolt after two disappointing losses.

Collado had 16 points and 10 rebounds, Bitoon scored 14, Siruma posted 11 points and nine rebounds, Hernandez delivered 10 points and Taganas dominated the shaded lane for 10 points and 16 rebounds to deny the Scratchers on their first try.

Jayson Melano also provided quality minutes for the Revellers with eight points, including a basket that made it 75-67 with 5:36 left in the fourth, along with nine rebounds.

Their timely contributions set the stage for a winner-take-all Game 5 of the Finals set tomorrow at the same venue.

“Jeff accepted the role of being a decoy because he really wants to help the team. Good thing some of our players stepped up,” said Che’Lu coach Stevenson Tiu, who also reminded the team of the agony of losing to Zark’s BurgersLyceum in the Aspirants’ Cup Finals last May.

Gab Banal, who finished second to Viernes in the MVP race, posted 20 points and 10 rebounds but Go for Gold struggled in the fourth quarter after a seesaw battle in the first three quarters. —