James Canlas shines in D-League debut as MetroPac-San Beda continues mastery over Perpetual

In their first meeting since the NCAA Season 94 Final Four, the MetroPac-San Beda Movers trounced the Perpetual Altas, 85-75, Thursday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

James Canlas fired 11 of his 15 points in the second half to guide the Movers to the victory after fending off a pesky Altas side.

His explosion between the final two frames helped Metropac-San Beda turn a tight 54-53 lead to a 65-53 affair in the early fourth quarter, keeping Perpetual at bay until the final buzzer.

Canlas also collected four rebounds, an assist, and a block.

“James did a good job in the third. He really separated us from Perpetual,” said eight-time PBA D-League champion coach Boyet Fernandez.

Donald Tankoua manned the paint with 19 points, nine rebounds, four assists, two blocks, and an assist. Meanwhile, Calvin Oftana scored 10 to help the Movers fend off the Altas.

Clint Doliguez added 11 points and seven rebounds. Evan Nelle had 11 points, eight assists, two boards, and two steals.

Metropac-San Beda join the early winners to take the joint leadership in the Foundation Group.

Former San Beda center Ben Adamos corralled 16 points, three rebounds, and two blocks in his first game for Perpetual.

Luke Sese also scored 11 on a 3-of-4 shooting from threes in the Altas defeat.

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.

UPHSD 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.

Quarterscores: 23-18, 39-30, 59-53, 85-75.