Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and Converge FiberXers drew first blood by beating their respective rivals at the start of the 39th Kadayawan Invitational Basketball Tournament on Thursday evening, July 25, at the University of Southeastern Philippines (Usep) Gym in Bo. Obrero, Davao City.
Rain or Shine edged out De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers in a thrilling 106-105 victory, led by Aaron Fuller's 33 points and 18 rebounds.
Davao City's own Francis Escandor, part of DLSU's UAAP men's basketball champion team, made his debut with the Yeng Guiao-coached PBA squad. He signed a one-year contract with Rain or Shine last week. Escandor was No. 13 overall PBA rookie draft, the first pick in the second round.
In an earlier game, Converge FiberXers held on down the stretch to secure a 132-127 overtime win over the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters. Alec Stockton led the charge for the FiberXers by drilling in 18 markers, six rebounds, and 10 assists.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) regional director Glenn Escandor spearheaded the ceremonial toss before the Rain or Shine-DLSU matchup.
The single-round robin tournament resumed as of press time on Friday, with the Elasto Painters testing the Fuel Masters' mettle in the curtain raiser, followed by the Converge-DLSU battle at 7 p.m.
The four-day league, part of the 39th Kadayawan Sports Festival under the Sports Development Division of the City Mayor's Office, is organized by Madayaw Sports Davao.
Admission is free. MLSA