By Jerome Lagunzad
Games Monday
(Ynares Sports Arena)
1 p.m. – Marinero vs Batangas
3 p.m. – AMA vs CEU
Former Ateneo stalwart Vince Tolentino provided the needed offensive punch off the bench as Go for Gold turned back Centro Escolar University, 92-83, yesterday to sustain its flawless start in the 2018 PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
The 6-foot-3 Tolentino underscored the team’s newfound depth by accounting for 20 of the Scratchers’ 57 points from their backups as they dominated the Scorpions after the first period and claim their third straight victory.
“Vince is a really smart player,” said Go for Gold mentor Charles Tiu. “He has great feel for the game and he does a lot of good things for the team. We are just maximizing his skills.”
Starting forward Gab Banal had another solid performance of 21 points and 10 rebounds while team captain Jai Reyes and fellow veteran Jerwin Gaco combined for 22 points off the bench to help the Scratchers’ cause.
Skipper Orlan Wamar finished with 17 points while Pierce Chan added 14 points but they still could not help the Scorpions climb out of an early 15-point hole that led to their second consecutive loss in three starts under interim mentor Derrick Pumaren.
Earlier, veteran guard Jeff Viernes finished what backcourt partner Chris Bitoon started as Che’Lu Bar and Grill pulled away from AMA Online Education in the crunch for a 111-95 victory.
Bitoon sustained his fine play with 23 points, seven rebounds, five assists and three steals but it was the diminutive Viernes who delivered the telling blows, scoring all but three of the Revellers’ final 11 points to foil the Titans’ upset bid.
