ALPHA 7 B.C, Exedy Racing Clutch and Tanduay Gold defeated their respective rivals at the start of 1st Asian Masters invitational basketball tournament at San Andres gym in Malate, Manila.

Alpha 7 overwhelmed Warriors, 98-79, in 49-57 years old bracket; Exedy Racing Clu tch outclassed Kuala Lumpur Dragons of Malaysia,119-70, in 40-48 age division; and Tanduay Gold outlasted Taiwan, 88-84, in 58-64 bracket to launch their title campaigns in this prestigious, 18-team tournament organized by Alpha 7 Basketball Family Club, PilMaster Sports and Leisure Association, Manila OSCA and City of Manila.

Alpha 7 president Achit Kaw formally welcomed the participants during the colorful opening ceremony. He later declared the tournament open.

Manila Office of the Senior Citizen Affairs (OSCA) retired Major Adel Natividad made the ceremonial tossing of the ball.

Kaw finsihed with a game-high 28 points for Alpha 7, followed by PBA legends Rodney Santos and Bong Hawkins with 20 and 15 points, respectively.

Former PBA mainstay Estong Ballesteros topscored with 22 points for Warriors, followed by Joseph Realista with 17 points.

Mario Reyes scattered 27 points, Floyd Dedicatoria added 25 points and Ian Garrido had 17 points in Exedy Racing’s victory over Kuala Lumpur Dragons of Malaysia.

Henry Ogaco scored 20 points, Gerry Tee and ex-pro Benneth Palad added 15 points apiece for Tanduay, which won over Taiwan.

In other games, Kaizen Suites Philippines overpowered Guam Masters,81-52, and Aldino (Indonesia) edged Taiwan, 48-47, in 65-above division.

CKSC Evergreen crushed Aldino (Indonesia), 57-43 and Team Korea clobbered Unjana King Fisher Malaysia, 78-48, in 58-64 bracket. AA

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