Ateneo put on a rousing performance with an emphatic 88-50 win over University of Sydney at the start of the World University Basketball Series on Friday night at the Yoyogi Stadium in Tokyo.

Blue Eagles rookie Mason Amos scored 17 points while Kai Ballungay 13 points to his name as the Blue Eagles put their title defense in motion.

Ateneo, the reigning University Athletic Association of the Philippines champion, warmed up for the tournament proper last Thursday after posting a pulsating 80-79 victory over the All-Japan Under-22 squad in an exhibition game.

Ateneo is currently playing against Japan's Hakuoh University in the semifinal round at press time.

A win will send the Blue Eagles to the final on Sunday and defend their title while a loss will have them relegated to a bronze medal match on the same day.