Champ Archers escape Bulldogs

MANILA, Philippines — La Salle flirted with disaster before pulling through against National U, 89-87, to open its title retention bid in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball on a good note yesterday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The reigning champions nearly wasted a 14-point lead in the payoff period and survived a free throw blunder down the stretch, turning to their staple defensive claws to get it done.

La Salle joined Adamson, which stunned host Far Eastern U with a 56-53 comeback win in the first game, in the early lead.

In the nightcap, last season’s runner-up UP waxed hot in the second half to kick off its revenge tour with a 92-85 win over Santo Tomas.

“As always, it’s going to be a battle until the final buzzer. We’re able to pull away early but as expected, NU was able to get back. Credit to these guys for responding and contributing, especially on the defensive end. It’s not easy against NU (to open the season) and it will not be easy the rest of the way for us,” said Archers coach Topex Robinson.

DLSU rookie and Batang Gilas Pilipinas standout Joaquin Tovera made his presence felt with 22.