The 2016 Cambodian Basketball League, sponsored by Angkor Beer, tipped off at the Olympic Stadium Indoor Arena at the weekend, with holders Mekong Tigers going down to 2013 champs Davies Paints 63-74.

Missing from the Tigers’ line-up were two key US players who had played a decisive role in their title triumph last season.

In the opening day’s first game, ALLN were too good for Bayon Air in a 82-57 blowout. Last season’s runners-up Extra Joss Fighters put newcomers Blue Kratis to the sword at 76-43.

Chhim Taingyou drained 25 points and Ben Laird 26, including four three-pointers, in Smart Dragons’ 98-54 win over Pinoy Rhythm.