By Kristel Satumbaga
Diliman College fended off Olivarez College 75-68 to retain the PG Flex Linoleum-Universities and Colleges Basketball League title on Thursday at the Olivarez gym in Parañaque City.
The Diliman Blue Dragons pose and celebrate their victory over the Olivarez Sea Lions after defending the UCBL title on Thursday at the Olivarez gym in Parañaque City. (Kristel Satumbaga)
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 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.
Robbi Darang (UCBL Images)
Johnnel Bauzon also took charge in the paint for Diliman by collaring 11 rebounds on top of nine points.
The Blue Dragons yielded in Game 1 of the best-of-three series, 64-62, but recovered last Monday with an 82-72 triumph.
Inspired by their recent victory, Diliman returned with the usual aggressive game by taking an early 25-23 lead and dictated the pace throughout.
Olivarez tied the match late in the second quarter off a layup from Redel Fabro, 33-all, but the Blue Dragons were quick to recover with Aldrin Ligon and Ismael Pacheco draining four straight points.
Fabro scored 22 points, Yani Elie had 12 points and 21 rebounds, and Kim Siegue finished with 16 points in a losing effort for Olivarez.
Season MVP Jayboy Solis was also limited to one rebound and one steal in 12 minutes.
Source: Manila Bulletin
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