Capital1 Solar Boys bared its fangs against Strong Group Athletics Press Row Bros while the Say Chiz Smileys had the last laugh in a close encounter with Smart Sports Scribes in the thrilling opening day of the 2024 Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Tuesday, Feb 20.

Christian Jacinto and birthday boy Aldo Aviñante were all business as Capital1 essayed a wire-to-wire 86-74 win over SGA, while Say Chiz grinded out a nail-biting 66-64 win over Smart Sports in the return of the annual basketball tournament under the leadership of PSA President Nelson Beltran of the Philippine Star.

The double-header also came after a short opening ceremony graced by Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Richard Bachmann and Dr. Ian Laurel of Shakey's Super League and Athletic Events and Sports Management Inc.

Jacinto dropped 21 points, 12 rebounds, and two blocks while Aviñante, who turned 35, tallied 19 points, five assists, and three rebounds as the Solar Boys, backed by Mandy and Milka Romero of Capital1, Mayor Vergel Meneses, Uratex, and Rebel Sports, went off to a strong start and never looked back to claim their first win.

Manila Bulletin's Mark Rey Montejo and PhilStar's John Bryan Ulanday also breached double-figures with 16 and 11 points, respectively. Karlo Sacamos paced SGA with 21 points while Diego Dela Paz and rookie Eugene Flores had 17 apiece.

In the second game, the Smileys needed big plays down the stretch from Jeric Lopez and rookie Aivan Episcope to fend off the Scribes.

Lopez scored the go-ahead basket with 39 seconds left in the contest before Episcope made a crucial rebound and steal in the waning seconds to seal the deal for Say Chiz.

Their heroics also preserved a strong performance from Philippine Daily Inquirer’s Jonas Terrado who had 21 points, 14 rebounds, four steals, two assists and a block.

Lopez followed with 16 points, three rebounds, and four assists while Cedelf Tupas added 15 points, four assists, and four steals.

AJ Bolando led Smart Sports with 19 points while Julio Sampedro added 18 in a losing effort.