Engineers, Dragons hurdle UCBL rivals

MANILA, Philippines — Technological Institute of the Philippines warded off a Philippine Christian University-Dasmariñas’ rally to fashion out a 76-68 victory in the Universities and Colleges Basketball League (UCBL) Season 3 at Olivarez College in Parañaque yesterday.

Brian Santos, Jopet Soriano and Russell Tan came through with clutch baskets in the final 3:30 to hold off the Dolphins, who threatened last at 62-64.

Earlier, Diliman College overpowered newcomer St. Joseph, 126-71, with Benin’s Kevine Gandjeto debuting with 20 points, six rebounds, five blocks and two assists.

John Mahari added 17 points, eight boards and three assists, while McArthur Enriquez chipped in 13 points and seven assists for the Blue Dragons, whose 126-point output is a league record.

The Blue Dragons also finished with 38 assists with playmaker Jaen Salazar accounting for 12, three more than St. Joseph’s total. Diliman also imposed its will off the boards, 59-36.

John Kenneth Taverner led St. Joseph with 16 points while Richard Salarza was the other player in twin digits with 13 markers.

TIP actually blew a huge 55-40 lead midway in the second half but recovered in time to salvage the victory.

“We did not execute what we wanted. It did not happen the way we planned it. The composure was lost,” said TIP coach Potit de Vera. 

Senegal’s Papa Ndiaye led the Engineers with 16 points, 22 rebounds and five blocks while Bryan Santos posted 16 points to go with eight rebounds.

Venedict Remolacio paced PCU-Dasmariñas with 13 points and six rebounds while Congo’s Lucien Mulamba added 12 markers and 18 boards.