De La Salle University repulsed National Chengchi University of Taiwan, 89-84, to kick off its World University Basketball Series (WUBS) title defense on Saturday at the  Yoyogi National Stadium Second Gymnasium in Tokyo on Saturday.

Mike Phillips scored 15 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks, including his crucial stop in the with less than a minute left in the match to lead the Green Archers to victory.

La Salle faces the Japan University Select Team next on Sunday at 2:40 p.m. (Manila time) at the same venue.

Meanwhile, University of the Philippines suffered an early exit after a 71-75 loss to Korea University.

Terrence Fortea led the Fighting Maroons with 14 points but it wasn't enough as the reigning University Athletic Association of the Philippines champion was booted out by the Koreans.