Rain or Shine bags Kadayawan crown

MANILA, Philippines — Rain or Shine scored a repeat win over UAAP champion La Salle, 136-118, to complete a perfect title run in the 39th Kadayawan Invitational Basketball Tournament at the USEP Gym in Davao City.

Import Aaron Fuller showed the way with a monstrous double-double of 34 points and 11 rebounds as the Elasto Painters capped a 4-0 campaign including a 106-105 win over the Green Archers in the opener.

Andrei Caracut had 21 points and eight assists for ROS in a good warm-up ahead of anticipated PBA Season 49 starting with the Commissioner’s Cup on Aug. 18 at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

Keith Datu and Gian Mamuyac chipped in 17 points apiece in Rain or Shine’s sweep marked by wins against Phoenix, 104-102, and Converge, 119-108.

UAAP MVP Kevin Quiambao and Mike Phillips had 18 points each in the gallant runner-up finish for the Green Archers, who will represent the country in the World University Basketball Series next month to shore up UAAP title defense build-up.

Meanwhile, Phoenix salvaged the bronze medal with an 87-81 win against Converge.