Green Archers succumb to Rain or Shine in Kadayawan Invitational Finals
The De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers fell short of another offseason title after succumbing to the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters of the PBA, 116–138, last night at the University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP) Gymnasium, Davao City. Rain or Shine took control of the game from the opening period, while the Green Archers were unable to spark a comeback due to multiple costly turnovers.
Kevin Quiambao got the scoring going right from the opening tip with a three from the wing in the very first possession and a floater in the paint to score La Salle’s first five points of the contest. On the other side of the floor, Aaron Fuller converted on multiple baskets in the post to take back the lead for the PBA powerhouse, 6–8. Approaching the halfway mark of the first quarter, both teams pushed the pace with multiple fastbreak opportunities on both ends; however, La Salle was unable to convert on their chances, while Rain or Shine’s scoring surge led by Adrian Nocum and Fuller ballooned their lead to 11, 12–23. Coming off the bench, CJ Austria’s presence was immediately felt as he created offense for the Archers’ second unit. Despite his threes and layups, the Elasto Painters couldn’t be contained down low as Fuller and the rest of Rain or Shine resorted to inside scoring to continue to increase their lead. With the opening period coming to an end, Vhoris Marasigan made a three as Mike Phillips converted an and-one opportunity to try to cut into the lead. However, Anton Asistio had an answer for every basket with points of his own. A high-scoring first quarter concluded with the Green Archers trailing by nine, 33–42.
Opening the second frame, Gian Mamuyac made his presence known with a 4–0 run on his own coming from points in the paint. La Salle’s run in the following minutes started with their defense. The patented ‘Topex Trap’ was activated and proved effective as their full-court pressure led to points on the other end. With that, the Green Archers were able to cut the lead down to six with points coming from Luis Pablo, Earl Abadam, and a Phillips slam dunk, 42–48. Their flame was quickly extinguished by former Lasallian Andrei Caracut, who scored five straight points to swing momentum back the way of Rain or Shine. From then on, it was a one-sided affair in favor of the Elasto Painters as Jhonard Clarito and Mamuyac capitalized on the multiple turnovers by the Green and White with easy fastbreak opportunities. In the closing minutes of the first half, Phillips’ post-scoring, as well as Amos’ outside shots, attempted to spark a run for their squad, but it was seasoned PBA veteran Beau Belga who knocked down a straight-away three to rocket Rain or Shine’s lead to 18 heading into halftime, 59–77.
Keith Datu opened up the scoring in the second half with back-to-back threes, which Quiambao immediately answered on the other end. From then on, the pace slowed down for La Salle as the turnovers continued to pile up, along with defensive lapses on the other end. What was once a 22-point lead withered to 14 as threes started falling for the side of the Green and White courtesy of Andrei Dungo, Matthew Rubico, and Quiambao, 81–94. For every attack, however, Rain or Shine had an answer that resulted in a back-and-forth affair until the end of the third quarter, 94–110.
Just as he did at the top of the third, Datu opened up the scoring with a shot from deep, while Fuller continued to dominate on the low block. The pace of the entire game had slowed down for the final quarter of play, with Rain or Shine holding on to a comfortable lead for the rest of the contest. Ultimately, the Taft-based squad could not keep up with the PBA powerhouse, which led to the Green Archers ending their run in the Kadayawan Invitational Basketball Tournament with a silver, 116–138.
But still, it was all smiles for the Green Archers as they take this as a learning experience and continue to prepare for the upcoming UAAP Season 87 starting on September 7.
