Rain or Shine remained the only undefeated team after taking down Phoenix while La Salle pulled the rug from under Converge to pick up its first win in the 2024 Kadayawan Invitational Basketball Tournament on Friday, July 26, at the USEP Gym in Davao City.

The Elasto Painters staved off a fiery rally late from the Fuel Masters to essay a 104-102 escape and stay perfect through two games while the Green Archers overcame a sluggish start before holding on to a 120-112 upset win over the FiberXers.

Rain or Shine holds the top spot of the standings while La Salle caught Converge on a similar 1-1 record. Still winless is Phoenix with a 0-2 slate in the tournament that serves as part of the teams’ buildup for their respective seasons.

The Elasto Painters led by as many as 17 points in the first half but the Fuel Masters simply wouldn’t give up and found ways to still threaten Rain or Shine.

Phoenix even tied the game at 82-all but baskets from Aaron Fuller, Gian Mamuyac and Andrei Caracut kept ROS’ head above the water, 92-85. Still, the Fuel Masters kept themselves within striking distance, unloading an 8-2 spurt in the final minute to suddenly come within two, 104-102, with 11 seconds left.

The Elasto Painters, however, managed to stay away from the fouls of the Fuel Masters in their final possession as the time ran out.

Gian Mamuyac finished with 19 points while Anton Asistio had 17 points. Fuller had 21 points and 10 rebounds to lead Rain or Shine.

Meanwhile in the second game, Earl Abadam drilled a left wing triple off a nice kickout pass from Kevin Quiambao to put the nail on the coffin on the rallying FiberXers, 118-112, with 37.8 seconds left.

La Salle had a lethargic start and allowed Converge to race to a quick 10-0 lead in the opening frame. The Green Archers, behind the hot shooting of EJ Gollena, erupted for 38 points in the second quarter to suddenly take a commanding 64-50 lead at the break.

La Salle never relinquished the lead in the second half although the poise of the collegiate players of coach Topex Robinson were tested with the FiberXers repeatedly rallying back into the game with Justin Arana leading the charge.

Gollena finished with 19 points while Michael Phillips had 17 points although made his presence felt more on the defensive end particularly on a huge block on Alex Stockton which translated into a fastbreak layup that gave his team a 115-112 cushion with 54.3 seconds left.

Quiambao had 12 points, seven rebounds and seven assists to his name.

After dropping 28 points in the overtime win over Phoenix last night, Arana had 26 points while Bryan Santos and Schonny Winston chipped in 20 and 19, respectively.