Diliman keeps PG Flex-UCBL crown

MANILA, Philippines — Diliman College completed its date with history by downing Olivarez College, 75-68, to keep its PG Flex Linoleum-Universities and Colleges Basketball League title yesterday at the Olivarez gym in Parañaque City.

Robbi Darang, Billshan Digno and Abdoulaye Niang sparked Diliman’s decisive third-quarter breakaway as the Blue Dragons became the first back-to-back champions of the four-year-old tournament.

Sadly, the Olivarez Sea Lions were frustrated for the third time as they also lost to the Blue Dragons last season.

Darang put on another solid all-around show with 17 points and five assists to emerge as the Finals MVP.

Digno contributed 14 points highlighted by four triples, and Niang imposed his will inside on the way to a 16-point effort he laced with six boards.

Johnnel Bauzon likewise produced significant numbers with nine points and 11 boards as the Blue Dragons beat the Sea Lions in a sudden death.

The Blue Dragons dropped the opener of their best-of-three series, 64-62, but forced the rubber match with an 82-72 triumph last Monday.

As expected, both teams fought almost on even terms in the first two quarters before the Blue Dragons hit their targets in the third to pull away for good.

A big disappointment 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.