DEFENDING champion Gilas Defenders slammed Aniceta Red Vipers, 79-55, to start their campaign on a high note in the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Basketball League 2019 First Conference at the Capitol Parish Gym in Escario St., Cebu City on Saturday, June 29, 2019.

Christopher Ang paced the Defenders on their first game with his 15 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals.

The Cebu Lexidols, meanwhile, escaped the Dissenters Bad Boys in a pulsating 53-51 victory.

Fermin Pepito filled the stat sheets with his double-double of 13 points, and 11 rebounds on top of four assists and two steals.

The Pañeros also had a close game with a 72-68 victory over the Rebels.

Barrytone Busi led the way for the Pañeros as he canned in 16 points, seven rebounds, two assists and one steal.

In the other game, the Spartan defeated the Young Lawyers Association of Cebu (YLAC) in a dominating fashion, 75-36.

Nate Garcia led the balance scoring for the Spartans and was named the Best Player of the Game with eight points, four rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks.RSC