The Ateneo Blue Eagles started its title defense with a 90-81 victory over the UP Fighting Maroons on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Dave Ildefonso scored 19 points on top of six rebounds and a steal as the defending champion Blue Eagles got off to a rousing start in the UAAP Season 84 men's basketball tournament.
Video by One Sports
Raffy Verano delivered with 18 markers to help Ateneo prevailed in the first Battle of Katipunan in Season 84.
CJ Cansino was the Fighting Maroons' highest scorer with 21 points in the defeat.