MANILA, Philippines (2nd UPDATE) -- National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) defending champions San Sebastian Stags began their title retention bid with a win over the Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights.

The hosts scored a 59-53 victory over perennial contender Letran at the Araneta Coliseum following the official opening of NCAA Season 86.

Calvin Abueva, who took over the team leadership since the graduation of Season 85 Finals MVP Jimbo Aquino, led the Stags with 13 points, 7 rebounds and 3 blocks.

The Stags played a lackluster, error-prone game majority of the way but toughened up in defense down the stretch to pound out the victory.

“We struggled with our shots and committed a lot of errors,” said San Sebastian coach Ato Agustin in Filipino. “But our defense saved us again.”

In the second game, the San Beda Red Lions defeated the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers, 68-52.

San Beda's Borgie Hermida dished out a superb all-around performance with 15 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists and 1 steal.

The win also avenged San Beda’s quarterfinal loss to Jose Rizal in the pre-season tournament.

“The last time we met, they beat us. Now we outworked them with our pressure defense,” said San Beda mentor Frankie Lim. -- With a report from The Philippine Star