Defending UAAP champion De La Salle University scored a massive upset on Friday evening, stunning its former head coach Aldin Ayo and Converge with a 120-112 victory in the Kadayawan Invitational Tournament at the University of Southeastern Philippines Gym in Davao City.
The Green Archers are now 1-1 in the tournament and will take on the 0-2 Phoenix Fuel Masters on Saturday.
A win by Topex Robinson’s team will advance them to the finals against the 2-0 Rain or Shine Elasto Painters. Rain or Shine defeated La Salle on the opening day, 106-105.
The Green Archers actually led 64-50 at halftime before the FiberXers stormed back.
With the game tied at 101-all, EJ Abadam knocked down three free throws to give La Salle some separation.
Though Justin Arana fought back, cutting the La Salle lead to 113-111, Mike Phillips swatted away a Schonny Winston shot, paving the way for a CJ Austria fastbreak attempt.
A three-pointer by Abadam with 37.2 seconds left served as the dagger.
Based on stats provided by Andrei Alonsagay and Madayaw Sports Davao, EJ Gollena led La Salle with 19 points on four triples.
Phillips tallied 17 points and 12 rebounds, while Kevin Quiambao produced 12 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, and three steals.
Converge, which did not have Scotty Hopson for the game, was led by Arana’s 36 points.
Bryan Santos and Winston finished with 20 and 19 points, respectively.
In the first game, the Elasto Painters escaped Phoenix, 104-102.
Aaron Fuller tallied a monster double-double for Rain or Shine with 21 points and 19 rebounds, while Gian Mamuyac got 19 markers.
Tyler Tio paced Phoenix with 18 points, as import Jay McKinnis was limited to just 10 points and 11 rebounds.
