MANILA — Manila ended Quezon City's unbeaten start in the Metro League Open with an 81-78 victory at the Hagonoy Sports Complex in Taguig on Tuesday.
Joseph Yeo made two clutch free throws that helped the All-Stars subdue the Junior Capitals to force a tie at the top of the North Division standings at 4-1.
Jayford Rodriguez made 19 points, nine rebounds, and two assists, while Paolo Quiminales added a double-double of 13 points and 19 rebounds for Manila, which can take the top spot with a win at home against San Juan at the Dapitan Sports Complex in Manila at 7 p.m. on Thursday.
Kojak Melegrito fired 21 points, including five straight points that drew QC to within two, while Cyrus Tabi struggled with 16 points on 6-of-18 shooting.
Meanwhile, Caloocan drubbed Las Piñas via a 128-58 rout.
Aldrin Ligon made 27 markers, 10 boards, and three dimes, while Jethro Sombrero added 17 points and 14 caroms for the Supremos, who moved up to 4-2.
Lester Dickens put up 13 markers, seven dimes, and five rebounds for the Home Defenders, who fell to 0-6 but can bounce back against the Valenzuela Workhorses at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday.
In the main game, Taguig prevailed over Marikina at home, 84-73.
John Ferriols went on vintage performance and finished with 16 points on 8-of-10 shooting, 12 rebounds, and five assists for the Generals, who moved up to 3-2 and will face Isang Pateros also on Thursday in the first game of the triple-header at 4 p.m.
RJ Deles fired 17 markers and grabbed nine boards for the Shoelanders. (PNA)
