JAMES Canlas woke up from his slumber and towed Metropac-San Beda to an 85-75 victory over Perpetual in a highly physical affair to open their 2019 PBA D-League campaigns on Thursday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
The 20-year-old guard sparked the Movers' assault in the last two frames, where he unfurled 11 of his 15 points, to go with four rebounds, an assist, and a block.
But it wasn't before JBoy Solis floored him with a hit on the face late in the third quarter that he became unglued, stringing 11 unanswered points bridging the final frames to turn a close 54-53 lead to a commanding 65-53 advantage in the fourth period.
"James did a good job in the third. He really separated us from Perpetual," said coach Boyet Fernandez.
Donald Tankoua added 19 points, nine rebounds, four assists, two blocks, and an assist, as Calvin Oftana got 10 as the duo helped Metropac-San Beda stave off a late rally from Perpetual.
Clint Doliguez contributed 11 points and seven rebounds, as Evan Nelle got 11 points, eight assists, two boards, and two steals in the Movers win.
"It's really nice to play here in the PBA D-League where the physicality is very tough. At least, they came back and played well. Hopefully, we'll continue learning," said Fernandez of his side's first win to move on top of the Foundation Group.
Ben Adamos, playing his first game against his former school, produced 16 points, three rebounds, and two blocks for the Altas.
Luke Sese also went 3-of-4 from downtown to fire 11 in the losing cause.
The scores:
METROPAC-SAN BEDA 85 -- Tankoua 19, Canlas 15, Doliguez 11, Nelle 11, Oftana 10, Soberano 7, Carino 3, Etrata 3, Abuda 2, Bahio 2, Cuntapay 2, Visser 0, Alfaro 0, Obenza 0, Tagala 0.
PERPETUAL 75 -- Adamos 16, Sese 11, Charcos 10, Solis 8, Pasia 8, Razon 8, Martel 5, Peralta 4, Egan 3, Pido 2, Lanoy 0, Guissani 0.
Quarters: 23-18, 39-30, 59-53, 85-75.
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