By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Diliman College dumped Olivarez College, 82-72, on Monday to force a knockout match for the PG Flex Linoleum-Universities and Colleges Basketball League title at the Olivarez gym in Parañaque City.
The Blue Dragons regained their old form following a 64-62 Game 1 loss last week to keep their bid to become the first back-to-back champion.
Robbi Darang exploded for 25 points including five triples while adding three boards and six assists for Diliman, which dictated the pace throughout.
Abdoulaye Niang and Johnnel Bauzon also stepped up with 12 points each apart from combined 12 boards.
The Blue Dragons spewed fired early and took a 25-15 lead before outscoring the Sea Lions, 27-18, in the third for a 61-47 advantage.
Olivarez threatened midway in the fourth after scoring eight straight points to pull with in 67-59.
But it proved to be their last gallant stand as Kevin Gandjeto scored inside that all but ended Olivarez’s comeback.
Gandjeto poured all his eight points in the fourth period while hauling four boards.
Four players scored in double figures for Olivarez but couldn’t bring the title early.
Jayboy Solis and John Lester Maurillo had 18 and 15 points, Yani Elie finished 12 and Kim Seigue posted 10 in futile efforts.
Game 3 will be on Thursday at the same venue.