Galvanised by Aimar Sabayo’s 30-point effort, Davies Paints shook off Extra Joss Fighters 71-60 in Tuesday evening’s Angkor Beer Cambodian Basketball League fixture at the Olympic Stadium Indoor Arena.

The Filipino star came up with a cameo performance that seemingly stood out among several of his compatriots involved in a tense game on either side of the divide.

Paints took a small but significant first-quarter lead, only to see the Fighters pivot Stephen Siruma turn things around to wrest the initiative for his side with three minutes of the second quarter left. But Sabayo’s steal-and-score runs helped Paints take the lemon break eight points ahead.

A change of ends brought about a slight change of fortune for the Fighters, as they rallied to level the scores at 43. But then the side had to contend yet again with Sabayo, who took it upon himself to redo the math in favour of Paints.

Carrying over the eight-point advantage into the fourth quarter, Paints were not hard pressed riding it home.

In tonight’s only game starting at 7pm NSK Dream, fresh from their win over Pate 310, will take on Smart Dragons, who got the measure of the Warriors three days ago.

Score Summary

Davies Paints 71 (Aimar Sabayo 30, John Cornito 10, Janno Cunanan 9) Extra Joss Fighters 60 (Stephen Siruma 28, Joseph Cortes 11, Chhin Prasith 6)