THE SYKES Pioneers held off the Converters, 76-72, to gain solo third place in the standings of the Elite Classic division of the 2018 Tanduay Athletics E-Leagues for Basketball on Saturday at the City Sports Club-Cebu.
Former Southwestern University-Phinma ace Janjan Auditor exploded for 33 points, eight rebounds and three steals while ex-University of Cebu guard Earl Montilla almost had a triple-double with 13 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists.
Another former Cesafi standout, Victor Rabat, who used to play for the University of San Carlos, finally made his debut and had 10 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals to help Sykes claim their ninth win in 12 games. Converters tumbled to its fourth loss against nine wins.
In the other game, the QBE Generals improved to 3-7 (win-loss) with a 96-88 overtime win over the Telstra Boomerangs.
In the Evo League, the Kyocera Frontiers grabbed a foothold of second place with an 83-72 win over the JP Morgan and Chase Bankers.
The Dyninno Jets also emerged victorious, beating the Streamline Kangaroos, 83-72.