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| La Salle stunned another PBA team. Madayaw Sports Davao (file photo) |
MANILA--CJ Austria scored the shots that mattered in the end as La Salle continued to shock PBA teams in the Kadayawan Invitational Basketball Tournament with a 104-102 squeaker against Phoenix on Saturday night at the University of Southeastern Philippines in Davao City.
Austria hit two free throws off Jason Perkins' final foul with 4.7 seconds left that broke a 102-all tie as the Green Archers held off a late run from the Fuel Masters.
Needing to win by seven points or more if they wanted to go for a chance to make the championship game, Phoenix decided to just go for the win outright instead of forcing overtime, but Kent Salado missed his three-point attempt and Kevin Quiambao secured the game-saving rebound.
Quiambao finished with 19 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and one steal, while Mike Phillips added 16 points, 14 rebounds, two blocks, and one steal for La Salle, which is now assured of a place in the final on Sunday night regardless of what happens to the game between Rain Or Shine and Converge later Saturday.
Jay McKinnis' monster game of 27 points, 18 rebounds, one assist, two steals, and eight blocks went for naught as Phoenix, which blew a 12-point third-quarter lead, has been relegated to the battle for third also on Sunday night.
Box Scores:
La Salle 104-Quiambao 19, Phillips 16, Macalalag 13, Austria 13, Abadam 12, Rubico 7, Cortez 6, Gollena 5, Ramiro 5, Marasigan 3, Amos 2, Alian 2, Pablo 1,
Phoenix 102-McKinnis 27, Perkins 18, Salado 14, Alejandro 8, Jazul 7, Ballungay 6, Tio 6, Tuffin 5, Verano 4, Garcia 2, Mocon 2, Manganti 2,
Quarterscores: 30-28, 56-57, 75-80, 104-102
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