Technological Institute of the Philippines spoiled Diliman College’s sweep bid of the elims with 108-85 win on Monday in the PG Flex Linoleum-Universities and Colleges Basketball League at the Olivarez College gym in Parañaque City.
Though already out of Final Four picture, the Engineers played with lots of fire and pride – thanks to the inspired plays of Papa Ndiaye, Christian Daguro and Warren Calara.
Ndiaye erupted for 33 points on an 11-of-19 shooting while hauling 17 rebounds and dishing off six assists as TIP snapped Diliman’s nine-game winning run while finishing with 3-7 record.
Despite the loss, Diliman still claimed the No. 1 seeding in semifinals scheduled next week.
The Blue Dragons will face the fourth-seeded Centro Escolar University Scorpions after the University of Batangtas repeated over Philippine Christian University-Dasmariñas, 100-87.
UB and CEU finished tied with similar 7-3 records, but the Brahmans took the No. 3 slot due to the winner over the other rule. UB beat the still undermanned CEU in the first round.
Olivares College, as expected, finished No. 2 following an easy 139-78 win over National College of Business and Arts.
Daguro, on the other hand, waxed hot from afar to finish with 21 points, including five triples.
He was an assist shy of completing a double-double, while Calara added 19 points and six boards.
The Engineers were so focused to end their season in grand fashion they took a 76-59 lead entering the payoff period.
The Blue Dragons did cut TIP’s lead to 76-67, but Calara’s triple ignited a 12-run attack that all but ended Diliman’s rally.
Abdoulaye Niang had 20 points and 10 boards, while Ismael Pacheco and Johnnel Bauzon finished with 19 and 18 points in a futile effort for Diliman. (Kristel Satumbaga)
