Blue Dragons hold off Engineers, share lead

MANILA, Philippines — Import Adama Diakhite imposed his will as he fired 33 points to lift Diliman College to a come-from-behind 67-65 victory over Technological Institute of the Philippines in the Universities and Colleges Basketball League (UCBL) Season 2 at the Olivarez College gym in Sucat, Parañaque over the weekend.

The 6-foot-9 Diakhite banged in 17 of his game-high output in the last 10 minutes, including the game-winning turnaround hook shot with 20.1 seconds left as the Blue Dragons completed their fightback from 10 points down and foil the Engineers’ upset bid.

The put Diliman College in an early share of the lead with Bulacan State University and defending champion Centro Escolar University.

Meanwhile, University of Batangas and Diliman test each other’s mettle as action resumes today. They clash for the lead at 2 p.m. with CDSL and Olivarez clashing in the opener at 12 noon.

“It was a very tough game. Good thing, Adama saved the day for us,” said Diliman College coach Rensy Bajar, who also drew 16 rebounds and four blocks – both game-highs – from their Senegalese reinforcement’s explosive debut.

Veteran guard Rickson Gerero backed Diakhite with 19 points while Joseph Brutas added eight markers, including a clutch triple that tied the match at 65 with 55.8 seconds to play.