DE La Salle stunned Converge, 120-112, on Friday night to pick up its first win in the 39th Kadayawan Invitational Basketball Tournament at the University of Southeastern Philippines Gym in Davao City.
The reigning UAAP champions dominated a PBA ballclub led by their former coach Aldin Ayo and included former teammate Schonny Winston to even their record to 1-1 a day after a one-point loss to Rain or Shine last Thursday.
EJ Gollena had 19 points on 4-of-5 shooting from threes while Michael Phillips finished with 17 points, 12 rebounds, two steals, and two blocks to lead the Green Archers.
READ Fuller double-double lifts Rain or Shine past Phoenix
A two-hand slam by Phillips off a feed by Kevin Quiambao was the highlight of the fourth quarter for the Green Archers, who will close the eliminations against Phoenix with a chance to still make it to the championship game.
Rain or Shine, which stayed unbeaten earlier in the day after its 104-102 win over Phoenix, is on top with a 2-0 record, but still needs to win over Converge to reach the final outright.
Quiambao had 12 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, and three assists for La Salle, which dealt Converge its first loss in two games.
Justin Arana had 26 points and seven rebounds while Bryan Santos had 20 points, with the two making shots in the fourth quarter for Converge’s comeback bid that proved to be futile.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
