Movers hold off Altas in D-League

MANILA, Philippines — Metropac-San Beda doused a Perpetual Help turnaround in the third quarter to start with an 85-75 victory in the PBA D-League at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig yesterday.

James Canlas Kwekuteye hit 11 points bridging the last two quarters to restore order for the Movers at 65-53 after the Altas seized the lead for the first time, 48-47, in the third and briefly held on.

Donald Tankoua and Calvin Oftana then took over from there to keep the Altas at bay.

“James really did a good job in the third. He made those shots that really separated us from Perpetual. Credit to Perpetual, they did a good job. (Ben) Adamos and even their new guys played well so it will be tough facing them in the NCAA,” said Metropac-San Beda coach Boyet Fernandez.

Tankoua logged a near double-double output of 19 points and nine boards while also dishing out four assists, two steals and a block. Kwekuteye scored 15, Clint Doliguez and Evan Nelle each contributed 11 while Oftana chipped in 10, eight in the fourth.

Earlier, Wangs Basketball returned with a bang and gave newcomer The Masterpiece-Trinity University of Asia a rude welcome, 89-69.

Radge Tongco and Arvin Tolentino each produced 13 points, Axel Iñigo and Rickson Gerero both scored 12 while Ronan Santos chipped in 10 to secure the first victory for the comebacking Couriers.

Meanwhile, Saint Clare College-Virtual Reality dealt Go For Gold its second straight loss, 92-78, in the third game.

Joshua Fontanilla anchored the Saints’ blistering run in the last five minutes, pouring 10 of their last 19 points to pull away from a 73-71 count and wrest their opening game win.