Tamayo propels UP past DLSU in title defense opener, Cabañero makes 33 to tow UST past Adamson

The University of the Philippines opened its title defense campaign with a win over De La Salle University, 72-69, on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Down six points with six seconds left, Evan Nelle put up a triple to inch closer, 70-69. However, a foul on Carl Tamayo brought him to the line and sank two freebies which sealed the deal for the Diliman-based squad.

The Archers led at the end of the first half, 42-34.

Tamayo posted a stat line of 19 rebounds, 18 points, two assists, and two steals for the Fighting Maroons' first win. Terrence Fortea added 15 points while Malick Diouf tallied nine markers and 13 boards.

Meanwhile, Schonny Winston, the only player who scored in double digits for La Salle, had 27 points to lead the Taft-based squad. Winston had an explosive first half where he tallied 18 points.

Earlier, Nic Cabañero tallied a career-high 33 points to tow the University of Santo Tomas past Adamson University, 69-60.

National University and the University of the East will open the games on Sunday while Ateneo de Manila will face Far Eastern University to cap the opening weekend.

—MGP, GMA News