AMA Online Education and Arellano pulled off victories in the opener of the 2016 Republica Cup basketball tournament on Saturday at the Malolos Sports and Convention Center.
Fil-American player Rashawn McCarthy finished with 34 points to lead AMA to an 86-69 victory over Sta. Lucia Realty.
Jiovani Jalalon scored 24 points as the Chiefs turned back Sea Lions-Alpha Dog, 88-79, in the opening game of the tournament featuring commercial, amateur, and collegiate teams.
McCarthy was also supported by Jam Jamito, who added 13 points for AMA Online Education in a dominating performance in its first game of the tournament, a tune-up for its campaign in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup.
Jalalon carried the Chiefs in the endgame after the Bulacan-based squad Sea Lions-Alpha Dogs put on a touch challenge against the NCAA squad in the first three quarters.