DEFENDING champions Autolab got its title defense off to a hot start after it beat Sagbaf, 71-66, in Bracket B in the Sunriser Inter-Higala basketball tournament last weekend at the Visayan Glass gym in barangay Guadalupe, Cebu City.
Autolab was led by the 22 points of the sweet-shooting Marvin Tundag.
Autolab seeks to retain the title it first hoisted in November last year. Incidentally, Autolab ousted Sagbaf from the semifinals of last year’s tournament.
Sylvester Millevo led the losing cause of Sagbaf with 19 markers.
Meanwhile in the same grouping, last year’s runners-up, the Ravens, likewise got off to a flying start as they beat SUNA, 70-61.
The Ravens, a team composed of former collegiate stalwarts such as Sam Hermosa, Lawrence Agas, Robert Codilla, Edward Pao and Mark Panerio actually pushed the lead to a high of 31 before Suna came storming back.
Pao quelched the rally with a timely three-pointer and some clutch freethrows.
Still in Bracket B, Raphael’s Sports Bar downed Suna, 77-66, behind the 21 of Renzo Senining.
Over in Bracket A, many-time Sacred Heart Ateneo Alumni Basketball Athletic Association (SHAABAA) champions Goldberry got past Parklane, 74-64, behind the 18 points of Dave Lim.
Parklane bested Winward, 83-63 behind the 26 of Donald Anthony Ting while Penthel got past Supercat, 56-40./Correspondent Jonas Panerio