Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The De La Salle Green Archers got their title defense off to a winning start.
La Salle held off the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws, 95-90, in their opening game of the University Athletic Association (UAAP) Season 80 on Sunday evening at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Aljun Melecio led all scorers with 29 markers, while Andrei Caracut, Kib Montalbo, and Abu Tratter all finished with double-digit scoring for La Salle.
The Green Archers took the victory despite the absence of reigning league MVP Ben Mbala, who is on international duty with the Cameroon national team.
A dominant opening frame saw the Lasallians rush to a 29-11 lead over the Tamaraws, as they looked to put a stranglehold on the game early.
After falling behind 47-32, the Tamaraws opened up the second half with a 12-4 run to cut the lead down to 51-44 midway through the third frame.
La Salle managed to hold on to their advantage, but Ron Dennison and Wendell Comboy found their range from beyond the arc to bring FEU within 90-85 with 1:56 left to play.
Unfortunately for the Tamaraws, that was as close as they would come to completing their comeback bid.
Dennison and Comboy paced FEU with 21 and 13 points, respectively.
Even if La Salle lit up the scoreboard, head coach Aldin Ayo was happier with his team’s defensive effort on the floor.
“It (the win) was a total team effort, especially on defense. I told the boys to prioritize the defense,” Ayo said.
La Salle will face the NU Bulldogs in their next assignment on Saturday, while FEU will regroup before facing the UE Red Warriors on Wednesday.
