University of Perpetual Help System Dalta crowned itself as the first-ever champion in the CamSur Cup invitational basketball championship late Saturday at the Fuerte Sports Complex in Pili, Camarines Sur.

The Altas flaunted their defensive prowess when it mattered to bring down host CamSur Express, 77-73, and capture the title in week-long tournament organized by Armstrong Philippines in cooperation with the Camarines Sur government.

LA Casinillo, who was named as Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament, saved his best for last as he scored a game-high 23 points for the Altas of coach Olsen Racela.

Former Far Eastern University standout Patrick Sleat added 15 points, four rebounds and two steals and Mark Gojo Cruz contributed 11 points for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) powerhouse.

“We’re very happy to win this tournament here in Camarines Sur. This is a good experience for the players as we continue our build up for the NCAA Season 101,” said Racela, who was also named as Best Coach of the tournament.

Rufino Sablaon III and Verman Magpantay led the losing effort for the Express with 17 and 14 points, respectively.

Jerome Almario and Lloyd Jefferson Borbe contributed 11 and 10 points, respectively.

Earlier, National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges, and Universities champion St. Clare College of Caloocan outlasted Kuala Lumpur Hornbills of Malaysia, 71-66, in another tight and exciting battle to clinch third place.

Justine Bautista led the balanced scoring attack for the Caloocan-based Saints of coach Jino Manansala with 20 points, three rebounds, three steals and two assists.

Joco Bojorcelo added eight points while 6-10 Sudanese recruit Moses Mandiria contributed seven points, 10 rebounds and three blocks.

Leenard Desabelle and Lex Gazzingan chipped in six points each.

Azbeel Singh Gill topscored for the Malaysia-based Hornbills with 24 points and five rebounds for coach Adrian Wong.

Tan Jian Wei added 13 points, four rebounds, and two assists while Lee Yong Ding contributed 10 points and three rebounds.