In a battle of collegiate champions, NCAA kingpins Metropac-San Beda Movers turned back UCBL champs Gerry’s Grill-Diliman College Dragons, 67-55, to take solo second in the Foundation Group, Thursday evening.’
Clint Doliguez spurred the Movers with 21 points on a 5-of-6 shooting clip from deep, while also grabbing three rebounds.
James Canlas added 15 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and three steals. Meanwhile, Evan Nelle connected with 13 points, four boards, and three assists for Metropac-San Beda.
Donald Tankoua also went a point short of a double-double with his nine points, 12 rebounds, and four blocks.
“Ngayon, medyo naglalaro kami as a team,” said coach Boyet Fernandez. “Ang sinasabi ko lang sa kanila, wala na tayong nung dalawang leader natin, ‘wag na nating asahan sila. Kailangan silang mag-step up.”
With the Movers leading by 13, 52-39, early in the fourth quarter, the Blue Dragons did not quit as Robbi Darang cut the deficit to as low as seven, 62-55, with 1:15 left.
However, Canlas and Nelle were there to douse the rally, as Metropac-San Beda snared solo second place with their 4-1 card in the Foundation Group.
Beninese center Kevin Gandjeto led Diliman-Gerry’s (2-3) with his 13 points and eight rebounds.
The Scores:
MetroPac-San Beda 67 — Doliguez 21, Canlas 15, Nelle 13, Tankoua 9, Obenza 3, Oftana 2, Bahio 2, Visser 2, Etrata 0, Abuda 0, Carino 0.
Diliman-Gerry’s 55 — Gandjeto 13, Balagtas 12, Cabanag 10, Darang 7, Brutas 5, Mahari 3, Bauzon 2, Bonsubre 2, Torrado 1, Enriquez 0, Brill 0, Melendez 0.
Quarterscores: 20-15, 33-25, 48-39, 67-55.
