Diliman whips Olivarez, tops UCBL Invitational

MANILA, Philippines - Kris Torrado and Alex Diakhite delivered the clutch baskets once again as Diliman College beat Olivarez College in their knockout duel, 76-65, and topped the Universities and Colleges Basketball League (UCBL) Summer Invitational yesterday at the Buddhacare gym in Quezon City.

Diakhite produced his sixth double-double with 30 points and 20 rebounds to help the Blue Dragons of former Sen. Nikki Coseteng beat the Sea Lions for the second time in three days.

Olivarez gained a twice-to-beat advantage in the final after topping the double-round elims, but the Sea Lions failed to stop Diakhite’s rampage.

The African import had 20 points and 16 rebounds as the team scored a 63-53 win Thursday to force a rubber match.

Torrado, on the other hand, brilliantly orchestrated the team’s offense and clinched the Finals MVP after finishing with 13 points and seven assists.

The 6-foot-8 Diakhite highlighted his game-long brilliance with five assists and four blocks in 39 minutes of action in the tournament sponsored by Ever Bilena-Blackwater, Smart and Advanced Solution, Inc.

“It was a good fight but Diliman proved mightier this time,” said UCBL president Franklin Evidente. “Their win makes them the title favorite in the second season of the tournament.”

It was a disappointing end to Olivarez’s campaign after finishing the elims with a 9-1 card only to blow it away in the end.