An inspired Gab Banal displayed a jawdropping performance as the Go for Gold Scratchers edge out Che’Lu Bar and Grill Revellers, 102-92, last night at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig to nab the PBA D-League Foundation Cup championship trophy.
An inspired Banal overcame an injury in the second half finishing with 31 points setting the pace for Go for Gold including hitting key baskets in a heart-gripping stretch thus preventing the Revellers from overtaking the series against the Charles Tiu-coached Scratchers squad.
Go for Gold won the series 3-2 before a well-attended Finals match.
Banal’s performance was motivated by his father, seasoned coach Joel Banal, who is in recovery after suffering a heart attack two days before the decisive game.
“I hope I made my dad happy, I hope I made his heart happy,” the young Banal said after the game.
After suffering cramps in the third quarter and Che’Lu downsizing the Go for Gold’s deficit from 20 points to 5, Banal came back to deliver the final blow with half the time remaining in the final period.
The win served as a reparation for Banal after barely losing to Che’Lu star Jeffrey Viernes in the D-League’s Most Valuable Player race.
The Willy Ocier-owned Go for Gold Scratchers squad is backed by Caesar Wongchuking and his Mighty Sports Apparels and Accessories brand.