By Jerome Lagunzad
Games Today
(Olivarez College gym)
12 noon — Diliman vs CdSL
2 p.m. — TIP vs Olivarez
Streaking Diliman College tries to hit two birds with one stone when it takes on formidable Colegio de San Lorenzo today in the Universities and Colleges Basketball League (UCBL) Season 2 at the Olivarez College gym in Sucat, Parañaque City.
The Blue Dragons, winners of their last five matches, aim to seize a hold of the top spot which they currently share with idle reigning titlist Centro Escolar University while trying to avenge a 66-47 setback dealt by the Griffins in their initial meeting last Sept. 16.
“It’s going to be a test of character for us,” said Diliman College coach Rensy Bajar. “We have shown that we can hold our ground against the defending champions. This time, it’s about getting back at our first-round tormentor.”
Clashing in another crucial showdown set at 2 p.m. are the resurgent Sea Lions and the unpredictable Engineers of Technological Institute of the Philippines.
Olivarez College, currently at fourth spot with a 5-3 mark, is eager to stretch its winning streak to four and repeat an 83-68 win over TIP in their previous collision last week.
But the Engineers are plotting an ambush after scoring a morale-boosting 72-55 win over the University of Batangas Brahmans last Monday that put themselves back on track.
“My players know that they have what it takes to make some noise in this tournament. They just have to walk the talk,” said TIP coach Potit De Vera, who will pin his hopes on veterans Jorey Napoles, Tevita Latu and John Palisoc.
Much of the spotlight, however, is expected to fall on the 12 noon opener, with the African showdown between Diliman College’s hefty big man Adama Diakhite and versatile CdSL forward Soulemane Chabi Yo tipped to set the tone.
