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Go for Gold got its campaign going with a come-from-behind win, 75-68, over Gamboa Coffee Mix-St. Clare in the 2018 PBA D-League Aspirants Cup Monday at Pasig City Sports Center.
After trailing by double-digits in the second quarter, the Scratchers got their act together as veterans Jerwin Gaco and J-Jay Alejandro led the fightback.
“We’re a new team and it was evident that we’re still not familiar with each other,” said Go for Gold coach Charles Tiu. “I’m just happy because it was a good test for our team to learn.”
Senegalese big man Clement Leutcheu was a rock down low for Go for Gold, finishing with 14 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks, while Gaco flirted with a double-double with 13 markers and nine boards.
Justin Gutang also stepped up for the Scratchers with 10 points and 13 rebounds, while Kent Salado got nine markers, five boards, four assists, and three steals before going down with an apparent MCL injury on his right knee at the 2:48 mark of the third quarter.
Go for Gold swung the tide to its favor early in the fourth quarter as it staged a 7-0 run to grab a 62-55 cushion with 6:03 left to play and never let go of the lead.
Aris Dionisio paced the Coffee Lovers with 19 points and 13 rebounds, but missed his final three freebies with 55.1 seconds remaining which could have kept his side fighting down the stretch.
Raymond Rubio got 11 markers and six boards in the loss.
The Scores:
GO FOR GOLD 75 — Leutcheu 14, Gaco 13, Gutang 10, Salado 9, Naboa 8, Salem 8, Alejandro 5, Dixon 3, Pili 2, San Juan 2, Domingo 1.
GAMBOA COFFEE MIX-ST. CLARE 68 — Dionisio 19, Rubio 11, Pare 10, Ambuludto 8, Hallare 6, Rebugio 6, Jackson 4, Acuno 2, Bitoon 2, Alcober 0.
Quarters: 14-19, 30-33, 52-53, 75-68.