The Elasto Painters made all but one of their six charities, including four from Jun Jun Cabatu, in the last 20 seconds to hack out a 70-64 win over Harbour Centre and jumpstart their title-retention bid on a high note, while the Toyota Otis Sparks leaned on the heroics of Boyet Bautista for a 77-73 win over Hapee-Philippine Christian Univerity.

With their wins, the Sparks and Elasto Painters tied opening days winners Montaña Pawnshop and Granny Goose Tortillos, which scored contrasting wins over newcomer TeleTech and Heroes Cup champion Magnolia Ice Cream, respectively.

Cabatu and Marvin Ortiguera led the assault of the Elasto Painters with 16 points each as Rain or Shine showed its readiness to rule its last tournament in the country’s premier amateur league before bringing its act in the pro league in October.

Bautista came through with two critical plays down the stretch, including a perfect pass on Joe Calvin Devance with just 10 ticks remaining to ward off the spirited challenge of the Teethmasters.

That play turned out to be the highlight of the game as Devance scored easily on that spectacular play as he was left open by the 6-foot-5 Gabby Espinas and 6-foot-7 James Razon who tried to foil Bautista’s daring attack.

Although Devance failed to complete a threepoint play following a foul by Razon, Aaron Aban was there for the rescue, chasing the ball like there was no tomorrow. Aban then handed the ball to Bautista, who was later fouled by Moreño.

Bautista, who played a key role in Letran’s NCAA championship against PCU last year, sealed the win for the Sparks by sinking two free throws.

"I’m happy with our start. It was vintage Boyet," said coach Louie Alas of his guard who finished with seven points and five assists.

"I just hope we can perforn better this time because I was so disappointed with our performance the last time," said Alas. "We have to elevate our game further to have a chance to challenge the big guns."

Devance, playing with more maturity this time, tallied 22 points on an impressive 10-of-19 shooting from the field and 11 rebounds as he led the Sparks’ well-balanced attack.