Veteran Jervy Cruz buried five triples and Basilan-Starhorse survived De La Salle University, 60-57, at the start of the 3rd Gov. Ann K. Hofer Open Invitational Basketball Tournament on Monday at the Cultural & Sports Center in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay.

In a game marked by several twists and turns, the poise and depth of the Mac Tan-mentored Basilan-Starhorse Sea Titans spelled the difference, foiling La Salle’s determined comeback to emerge triumphant in the pocket tournament.

The tournament is part of Basilan-Starhorse’s series of tournaments to fine-tune for the coming Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League season.

The Archers had the chance to move closer after a Jacob Cortez triple, 60-57, but spitfire Kean Baclaan misfired twice, including a potential game-tying triple in the waning moments of the game.

Cruz led the Sea Titans with 15 points apart from holding his ground down low against younger, taller and even quicker La Salle players.

Before Baclaan launched his three-point attempt, he fished out a foul from Renzo Navarro when he attacked the rim.

To Baclaan’s chagrin, he missed the first free throw, so he intentionally bungled the second one, hoping for an offensive rebound.

Basilan-Starhorse’s Eman Calo incidentally tapped the ball out of bounds, giving La Salle another chance.

The Archers failed as Baclaan missed his target again — no thanks to Navarro’s air-tight defense.