Powerade-Team Pilipinas was successful in gaining the workout it asked for after needed an extra inning before silencing the much-improved Motolite-Hoopdreamz Australia, 93-89, Sunday night to sweep the two-game RP-Australia Goodwill Games at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Kerby Raymundo exploded with 24 points, 17 of which came in the fourth period and overtime, to lead the charge anew for the Nationals. His performance proved why he deserved a slot in the roster.

The Nationals had to work doubly hard Sunday to secure the victory and the P150,000 cash prize.

“This is a great workout for us, the character of the guys was measured,” said Team Pilipinas head coach Yeng Guiao who also drew 12 markers from Arwind Santos.

“Pumukpok ‘yong dalawang imports ng Australia tonight so malaki na sila, lalo pa silang lumaki. We learned a lot from this game compared to the first game,” Guiao added.

From a 24-point blowout in the first game, the Filipino dribblers were treated to a different contest with the visiting Australian squad which was reinforced by PBA imports Tiras Wade and Shawn Daniels.

The PBA imports kept the Australian team in the game helping the Aussies to crawl back from 12-point deficit early in the game.

Wade’s jumper sliced the lead of Team Pilipinas to 86-87 before Raymundo hit a pressure-packed jumper in the ensuing play.

Santos sealed the win with a steal and the go-ahead lay-up for a 91-86 advantage for the home team.

“Siyempre, ayaw natin mapahiya sa mga kababayan natin,” said Raymundo, who earlier in the first game topscored for the team with 13 points in their 87-63 victory. “Kapag sa ganitong laro, pride ang pinag-uusapan.”

The Purefoods center was unstoppable in the final quarter, hitting one drive after another that put the lead back to the Nationals, 80-77 with 2:04 left in regulation.

Aussie Graeme Dann however hit a booming triple in the next play to tie the score at 80-all with 1:144 left.

After both teams exchanged empty possessions, Asi Taulava had the chance to win it for the Nationals as he was fouled by Goran Veg while collaring a defensive rebounds with 2.8 ticks left.

The RP 5 skipper succumbed however to pressure as he muffed both free throws to send the game in overtime.

Wade led all scorers with 30 points while Daniels chipped in 19 and 11 rebounds.

The game got testy late in the first half when RP 5 center Sonny Thoss and Anthony Susnjara exchanged shoves inside the lane. Thoss and Susnjara were assessed a technical foul each.

The Nationals led by as much as 12 in the first 24 minutes before Tiras Wade pushed the Aussies back in the game with inside incursions and trimmed the lead to just five, 38-43.

In another exhibition match, Far Eastern University downed UAAP rival University of the Philippines, 65-61.

Raiza Rose Palmera led the reigning UAAP champions with 19 points while Jocy Santos added 10 and eight assists for the Lady Tamaraws. Kam Casino and Dea Stevens each had 12 markers for the Lady Maroons.