MANILA – Rain or Shine Elasto Painters displayed dominance and experience to defeat De La Salle University Green Archers, 138-116, and rule the 2024 Kadayawan Invitational Basketball Tournament on Sunday night at the USEP Gym in Davao City.
Aaron Fuller spearheaded the offense with 34 points, while MVP Andrei Caracut contributed 21 markers as the Painters finished the tournament undefeated in four games.
Gian Mamuyac and Keith Datu contributed 17 points apiece, while Anton Asistio and Adrian Nocum ended with 14 and 10 points, respectively, for the Painters, which clinched the crown sans Leonard Santillan and rookie Caelan Tiongson.
The Painters immediately made their presence felt in the opening quarter with Fuller converting from inside, while Nocum and Jhonard Clarito also attacking the Green Archers defense for a 42-33 lead.
Rain or Shine continued their rampage in the second period with Fuller and Mamuyac converting against the tough defense of the Green Archers as the lead grew to 77-59 at the half.
In the third period, Datu caught fire for the Painters with three outside conversions, but the Green Archers responded with a huge run to cut the deficit to 13 points, but Rain or Shine managed to increase it back to 110-94.
The Green Archers still tried their best to catch up in the fourth period behind Kevin Quiambao and Cyrus Austria, but the Painters got timely baskets from Fuller to seal the championship.
Quiambao finished with 19 points to lead the dethroned champions Green Archers, Michael Phillips added 18 points, while Austria, Vhoris Marasigan and Mason Amos ended with 14, 11, and 10 points, respectively.
Meanwhile, Phoenix Fuel Masters secured their first victory of the tournament against Converge FiberXers, 87-81, to claim the bronze medal finish.
The 2024 Kadayawan Invitational Basketball Tournament is a four-day pocket tournament that is part of the annual Kadayawan Festival in Davao City./PN
BOX SCORE:
RAIN OR SHINE 138 – Fuller 34, Caracut 21, Mamuyac 17, Datu 17, Asistio 14, Nocum 10, Clarito 9, Belga 8, Norwood 3, Borboran 2, Ildefonso 2, Escandor 0, Lemetti 0.
DLSU 116 – Quiambao 19, Phillips 18, Austria 14, Marasigan 11, Amos 10, Cortez 8, Ramiro 8, Abadam 7, Rubico 6, Dungo 5, Pablo 3, Ogana 2, Gollena 2, Macalalag 0, Buenaventura 0.
Quarterscores: 43-33, 77-59, 110-94, 138-116
