OLIVAREZ College clinched a twice-to-beat advantage over Diliman College in their title showdown in the Universities and Colleges Basketball League Summer Invitational by downing College of St. Benilde, 82-73, on Sunday at the the Buddhacare gym in Quezon City.
In topping the double-round elims, the Olivarez Sea Lions rode on a rock-solid defense in the third quarter to secure the bonus against the streaking Diliman Blue Dragons of Rensy Bajar.
Aside from exploding for 26 points, the Sea Lions held the Blazers to just 10 points to surge ahead, 64-52, going into the final 10 minutes of play.
Olivarez and Diliman dispute the title tomorrow also at the Buddhacare gym with odds just almost even.
The Sea Lions beat the Blue Dragons in the first round, 64-55, but the latter got back in the second round, 66-55, thanks largely on African Alex Diakhite’s MVP-like numbers of 34 points and 13 rebounds.
“It’s going to be a tight and interesting contest as both teams want to win the bragging rights,” said UCBL president Franklin Evidente. “The presence of UAAP and NCAA teams proved to be a big motivation for Olivarez and Diliman teams.”
Meantime, National University and Centro Escolar University clash in a one-game duel for third at 9 a.m. in the event also sponsored by Ever Bilena-Blackwater, Smart, Advanced Solution, Inc. and Manila Bulletin.
The Bulldogs, getting another significant numbers from John Clemente, closed out the double-round elims with a 66-59 win over the Scorpions.
Games Tomorrow
(Buddhacare gym, Q. C.)
9 a.m. – NU vs CEU
10:45 a.m. – Olivarez vs Diliman