English
DAVAO, Philippines – Rain or Shine defeated Phoenix 104-102 on Friday to progress to the finals of the 39th Kadayawan Invitational basketball tournament, which was held at the University of Southeastern Philippines arena in Davao City. With this triumph, the Elasto Painters have won the four-day event twice in a row. The winner will get P200,000 in cash.
Aaron Fuller, an import who finished with 21 points and 19 rebounds, was a key factor in Rain or Shine’s victory. His participation in the paint was essential to the Elasto Painters’ ability to advance to the finals. Rain or Shine will now take on the Converge FiberXers on Saturday with the goal of securing a position in the title game in addition to winning the elimination round.
Converge lost to the defending UAAP men’s basketball champions, De La Salle, in the second game of the evening. The FiberXers had a great start, but they couldn’t hold onto their advantage and lost 120–111 in the end. The Green Archers overcame an early double-digit deficit behind the scoring of 17 points and 8 rebounds by Mike Philips. EJ Gollena, who scored 19 points, including four of five from long range, complimented Philips’ efforts. The Gilas Pilipinas national team’s Kevin Quiambao contributed 12 points to La Salle’s total.
La Salle’s victory was especially noteworthy because it came just after their exciting 106-105 triumph against Rain or Shine in the tournament’s first game. Conversely, Converge had already defeated Phoenix 132-127 in overtime to claim a thrilling triumph. With both clubs now tied at one point in the tournament rankings, this Saturday’s game will be crucial.
On Saturday, La Salle took against the Phoenix Fuel Masters (0-2) in an attempt to earn a trip to the postseason by winning. Converge sees it this way: the FiberXers would advance to Sunday’s final game versus the Elasto Painters if they defeat Rain or Shine and win against La Salle. The Kadayawan Invitational basketball competition promises a thrilling finish because of the high stakes and competitive attitude.
The annual Kadayawan Festival in Davao City is a lively celebration of the area’s rich crop and cultural legacy, with the Kadayawan Invitational serving as its centerpiece. The basketball tournament gives the event a dramatic sports component and attracts spectators who want to watch elite basketball play. Through the shared enjoyment of the games, the tournament not only highlights the physical skill of the competing teams but also promotes community spirit and solidarity.
The excitement for the championship games grows as the tournament goes on. Thanks to Fuller’s outstanding performances, Rain or Shine has become a serious contender. Who advances to the finals and competes for the championship title will be decided by their matchup with Converge, which will be an important test. Assuming they can defeat Phoenix, La Salle’s tenacity and strategic play—best demonstrated by their victory against Converge—make them a serious contender for a postseason berth.
The festival’s focal point, the Kadayawan Invitational basketball competition, blends competitiveness, festivity, and sportsmanship. The next games, in which each side is fighting for victory and the title of tournament champion, are much anticipated by the fans. The event is a remarkable and uniting experience for everyone engaged because of the excitement and passion surrounding it, which mirror the larger spirit of the Kadayawan Festival.
Rain or Shine Elasto Painters players with their positions:
- Anton Asistio, G
- Beau Belga, SF
- Mac Belo, GF
- Mark Borboran, FC
- Andrei Caracut, G
- Jhonard Clarito, F
- Sherwin Concepcion, GF
- Keith Datu, F
- Nick Demusis, G
- Bradwyn Guinto, F
- Shaun Ildefonso, G
- Gian Robert Mamuyac, G
- Rey Nambatac, G
- Adrian Nocum, G
- Gabe Norwood, G
- Philip Paredes, FC
- Leonard Santillan, F
- DaJuan Summers, PF
- Steve Taylor, Jr., F
- Tree Treadwell, F
- Luis Villegas, F
- James Yap, SF
