Led by all-tournament selections Rupy Avila and Al-Ameen Kabba, the Vaughn College Warriors split two games in the season-opening Berkeley Invitational Tournament in Manhattan. The Warriors began with an 85-40 win over Culinary Institute on Saturday before falling 93-72 to Berkeley in the championship game Sunday.

“It was all about pressure defense and working together as a team,” Warriors coach Amy Mulligan said. “We came out and showed if we continue to work hard we will be tough to beat.”

On Saturday, Avila, a freshman, had 18 points on 7-for-7 shooting, including 3-for-3 from three-point range. He added three rebounds and five steals. Kabba also had 18 points, on 8-for-8 shooting, and added 14 rebounds.

Every Vaughn player scored Saturday, including sophomore Mahdi Macbahi, who had 13 points and 10 rebounds. Jihad Cesar added nine points. It was the first season-opening win in three years for the Warriors, who raced to a 20-4 lead behind their aggressive defense.

Sophomores Jason Ramos, Macbahi and Cesar will serve as captains this season.

Vaughnbasketball

Warriors coach Amy Mulligan flanked by all-tournament selections Al-Ameen Kabba, left, and Rupy Avila.