In a thrilling opening match of the National Basketball League-Pilipinas (NBL) Chairman’s Cup finals, the Taguig Generals emerged victorious over the Camsur Express with a final score of 88-81 at the Jun Duenas Gym on Sunday.

Led by LJ Mayo’s stellar performance, the Generals seized the initiative in the best-of-five finals series with a hard-fought win. Mayo contributed 20 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and four steals, showcasing his versatility and impact on both ends of the court.

Taguig, aiming for its third consecutive title and fourth overall in the homegrown regional basketball league, got valuable contributions from Mark Ordonez, who scored 13 points coming off the bench. The Generals established control of the game, building an impressive 82-65 lead in the fourth quarter to secure the Game One victory.

Under the guidance of coach Bing Victoria, Taguig will look to extend their lead to 2-0 in the series when they face Camsur once again on Wednesday at the Jun Duenas Gym. The Generals are determined to maintain their momentum as they strive to clinch another championship title.

Despite the loss, the Camsur Express put up a valiant effort, with Andrei Rito leading the charge with 19 points. Coached by Momo Molto, Camsur showed resilience throughout the game, holding a narrow 43-42 halftime lead. The Express, making their first-ever appearance in the finals since joining the league in 2018, will look to bounce back in the upcoming games as they aim to claim their maiden championship title.