RAIN or Shine and Converge pulled off similar thrilling wins at the start of the Kadayawan Invitational basketball tournament Thursday night at the University of Southeastern Philippines gym in Davao City.
The FiberXers went to big man Justin Arana in the overtime period to help the team eked out a 132-127 win over the Phoenix Fuel Masters.
Andrei Caracut and import Aaron Fuller meanwhile, teamed up in the final two minutes to rally the Elasto Painters past reigning UAAP men's basketball champion De La Salle, 106-105.
Arana forced overtime play by converting on a put back off Schonny Winston's missed free throw at the buzzer, 113-all.
The former Rookie of the Year then strung up six straight points to put Converge in control, 119-113.
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Converge was without no. 1 overall pick Justin Baltazar and didn't play import Scotty Hopson.
Phoenix meanwhile, paraded no. 4 rookie draft Kai Ballungay and import Jay McKinnis.
For its part, Rain or Shine leaned on the late-game heroics of Fuller and Caracut to survive a hard-fighting La Salle side.
Fuller and Caracut scored on back-to-back baskets to overcome a three-point Green Archers lead and take the driver's seat at 106-105.
La Salle had two chances to score on a game-winner, but Jhonard Clarito saved the day for the Elasto Painters when he forced EJ Gollena to miss out on a tough layup, before stripping the ball away from reigning UAAP MVP Kevin Quiambao as time expired.
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The four-day event in celebration of the annual harvest festival in Davao City, resumes on Friday as Rain or Shine and Phoenix tangle with each other at 5 p.m., followed by the Converge-La Salle encounter two hours later. (RG)
