March 25, 2019

Suerte shows way as Che'Lu nabs first back-to-back

CHE'LU Bar and Grill had to survive a late rally from McDavid to come away with a 109-99 victory Monday in the 2019 PBA D-League at JCSGO Gym in Cubao.

Rey Suerte led the Revellers with 26 points, but more importantly scored six of his team's last eight points to hold off the opposition in the clutch.

McDavid was rallying back in the game and got to within eight, 101-93 before Suerte went back to his specialty, scoring in bunches to lead the Revellers to their first winning streak of the season and improve to 3-1 in the Aspirants Group.

Chris Dumapig recorded a double-double of 15 points and 13 rebounds off the bench, as Jessie Collado and Robbie Manalang scored 13 points each.

Sean Manganti ignited Che'Lu as he poured 10 of his 11 in the first half, where the team wrested control of the game and took a 40-21 first quarter lead.

Sponsored content:
Jhaps Bautista also dropped 10 points, eight assists, and six boards for the Revellers.

But though it was Che'Lu's first back-to-back wins, a lot was still left to be desired on the part of coach Stevenson Tiu.

"Kailangang i-address namin yun against stronger and faster teams. Siguro yun ang kailangan naming pagusapan next practice, dahil may tendency talaga kami na mag-relax," he said.

Jerwin Gaco carried McDavid (0-4) with 20 points and eight rebounds, while Jason Melano also fired 20.

The Scores:

Sponsored content:
CHE'LU 109 -- Suerte 26, Dumapig 15, Collado 13, R. Manalang 13, Manganti 11, Bautista 10, Siruma 5, Taganas 4, P. Manalang 4, Gabo 4, Bringas 3, Ng 1.

MCDAVID 99 -- Gaco 20, Melano 20, Martinez 17, Diputado 12, Escosio 11, Sorela 8, Caranguian 5, Villanueva 2, Monte 2, Lozada 0, Canada 0, Cruz 0, Pena 0.

Quarters: 40-21, 69-49, 96-77, 109-99.