Diliman College streaked to its third straight win by downing Technological Institute of the Philippines, 92-90, in the Universities and Colleges Basketball League Season 3 yesterday at the Olivarez College gym in Paranaque City.
The Blue Dragons were beaten in the field goal shooting, assists and rebounding departments but made full use of their quickness and aggressiveness to withstand TIP’s rally and improve to 4-1.
Spitfire Robby Darang typified Diliman’s seeming bottomless energy with 28 points spiked by four triples. He also had four rebounds and three assists to help Diliman’s sustain its winning drive.
The win – its fourth overall in five games – will certainly give Diliman another dose of confidence going into their crucial match with league-leading Olivarez College on Thursday.
Though the TIP Engineers shot better from the field, making 37 of 65 tries for 56 percent against Diliman’s 29 percent (28-of-94) and had more rebounds (58-41) and assists (20-10), they turned the ball a record 33 times that helped Diliman score 28 points from the free throw area.
The Blue Dragons also had more steals 19-2 as they caught the Engineers off-guard most of the time with their air-tight defense.
Darang was ably supported by John Mahari and Benin’s Kevine Gandjeto who scored 23 and 11 points with the latter collaring 11 boards.
The Engineers fell to 2-3 in the event backed by CaféFrance, Yakult, Gerry’s Grill, Hapee Toothpaste, MaxSell Power Tool and Tough Mama Home and Kitchen Appliances, Tanduay Athletics and Toyota Motor Philippines.
Brian Santos paced the Engineers with 21 points highlighted by a perfect 3-of-3 from the 3-point zone.