Games Thursday
(Olivarez College gym)
12 noon – CDSL vs Olivarez
2 p.m. – BSU vs TIP
Diliman College survived University of Batangas’ late surge to post a 72-65 win while Centro Escolar University made its presence felt in the Universities and Colleges Basketball League yesterday at the Olivarez College gym.
With Romyl Journacion and Joseph Brutas waxing hot, Diliman School, owned by former Senator Nikki Coseteng, got off to a big start before warding off UB’s determined comeback to jumpstart its title bid in the tournament presented by Lamoiyan Corp. and EuroMed.
The CEU Scorpions were deadlier and ruthless.
Using a big second quarter assault, the Scorpions romped to an 89-71 win over Colegio De San Lorenzo in the second game.
From a slim 23-18 advantage, the Scorpions surged to a commanding 53-30 lead at halftime which they protected gallantly to tie TIP, Diliman and Bulacan State University for the early lead.
Diliman’s win was not without trouble though as UB rallied from a 59-43 deficit to close in at 69-63.
But Mikko Tay came to Diliman’s rescue, delivering back-to-back baskets to douse cold water on the UB Brahmans’ fiery stand.
Diliman College coach Rensy Bajar, a former teammate of Danny Ildefonso in the Philippine team, was elated with the way his young players responded to his challenge.
“This is practically a young team. Their ages are in the range of 17 to 18-year-olds. But we were able to win this game because of hard work and determination of my players,” said Bajar.
The presence of Coseteng – a former senator – gave the Blue Dragons more fire as they controlled the game right from the start, taking a 38-32 lead at halftime.
Aside from leading Diliman in scoring, Jornacion posted eight assists, five rebounds and a steal while Brutas added three rebounds.
Casper Pericas, who led UB’s rally in the fourth, wound up with 17 points.
Scores:
DILIMAN 72 – Journacion 20, Brutas 14, Bauzon 12, Tay 7, Sombero 6, Torrado 6, Cecilio 3, Handag 3, Salazar 1, Mondala 0, Angeles 0.
BATANGAS U 65 – Pericas 17, Gabriel 15, Arboleda 13, Gotam 6, Hiedelburg 4, Calacalsada 4, Yemeli 4, Contorno 2, Ocampo 0, Badulis 0, Espiritu 0
Quarters: 20-17; 38-32; 59-50; 72-65.
