BY KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Diliman College fended off Olivarez College’s determined challenge, 75-68, and retained the PG Flex Linoleum-Universities and Colleges Basketball League title yesterday at the Olivarez gym in Parañaque City.
Robbi Darang, Billshan Digno and Abdoulaye Niang joined forces with double-digit productions to pace the Blue Dragons and become the first team to win back-to-back crowns in the four-year-old league.
Darang, who was later adjudged Finals Most Valuable Player, had 17 points and five assists, Digno contributed 14 points highlighted by four triples, and Niang scored 16 points along with six boards.
Johnnel Bauzon also produced significant numbers with 9 points and 11 boards as the Blue Dragons wrapped up the series, 2-1.
The Blue Dragons yielded in Game 1 of the best-of-three series, 64-62, but force the rubber match with an 82-72 triumph.
As expected, both teams fought almost on even terms in the first two quarters before the Blue Dragons stepped on the gas in the third to pull away for good.
It was the third finals defeat by the Sea Lions in the league also losing to CEU in the inaugural and also last year.
A big disappoint for Olivarez was MVP Jayboy Solis who was held scoreless in 12 minutes of action.
With Solis struggling, Redel Fabro took charge and finished with 22 points.
