Defending champion Polytechnic University of the Philippines and Rizal Technological University pulled off impressive victories over their respective rivals at the start of the 22nd SCUAA-NCR men's basketball tournament at the RTU gym in Mandaluyoing City.

Led by Sonny Legaspi and handled by coach Ariel Esquivel, PUP crushed Technological University of the Philippines, 106-76,, to launch its title-retention campaign on a high note.

Legaspi scattered a game-high 37 points for the Stars, while Cliff Richard Somera added 23.

Allan Cabatingan carried the fight for TUP with 35 points.

Equally impressive was RTU, which demolished Philippine Normal University, 127-40, to join PUP in the early lead in this seven-team tournament.

The Blue Thunder of coach Beaujing Acot got double digits from Angelo De Jesus and seven other players in the lopsided victory.

Rodney Santos added 16 points, Jessmar Sabangan, John Ehitfield, Nico Montelibano, Jery Glorioso contributed 14 points apiece, Jericho Cruz had 13 and Phillip Paniomogan added 10 points for the Blue Thunder.

In the other game, Eulogio "Amang" Rodriguez Insittute of Science and Technology EARIST defeated Philippine State College of Aeronautics, 67-61, behind the tandem of Rigor Robrigado and Kevin Cayubit.