FRESH from grabbing their first win over Lamb of God Sped Academy (LGSA) Saints in the National Basketball Training Center (NBTC), the Assumption College of Davao (ACD) Warriors flew to Tagum City yesterday to defend its Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines: (CEAP) Mindanao Finals title.

The former four-time NBTC champs handed newcomer LGSA Saints an 88-63 beating last Sunday at the University of Mindanao (UM) Gym.

But coach Tristan Ruzer Balino, in a Facebook interview, said they never underestimated their rivals but considered them a challenge to become better.

"As much as possible we treat them with respect. We just made necessary adjustments that's why we won," Balino said in their blowout victory against LGSA Saints.

The Warriors, however, arrived yesterday to prepare for their title-retention bid.

They will be seeing action against teams from Jolo, Zamboanga City and Cagayan de Oro City, and Caraga Region.

Davao's squad opens its campaign at 8 a.m. today against Notre Dame Jolo College.

Last year, the Warriors took home the title after beating Xavier University of Cagayan de Oro City in Zamboanga City.