Andrei Caracut and Aljun Melecio combined for 35 points as the Green Archers edged out Beijing’s Tsinghua University, 103-86 to kick-off their title defense in the BLIA Cup in Kaohsiung, Taiwan earlier today.
Justine Baltazar and Brandon Bates each added 12 points for La Salle, who were still missing the services of Santi Santillan and Kib Montalbo due to injury.
It was a slow start by the team Tsinghua raced to an early 11-2 lead. Down 9 entering the 2nd period, the Green Archers went on a furious 38 point explosion to seize control of the match.
Tsinghua struggled against La Salle’s aggresive and swarming defense and this prevented them from mounting a comeback in this game.
The Green Archers will next face Japan’s Nagoya Gakuin University tomorrow at 2pm.