Rookie Blue Dragons bag NCBL crown

MANILA, Philippines - Newcomer Diliman College capped its remarkable campaign in the National Collegiate Basketball League, battling back from double-digit deficits to upend top seed Trinity University of Asia, 59-50, and capture the crown at the TUA gym in Quezon City last Friday.

Finals MVP Harley Diego fired 20 points while Ibrahim Qattara dished out a double-double game of 13 points and 20 rebounds as the Blue Dragons overhauled an early 9-19 deficit and wrested control in the fourth.

“It was our teamwork that carried the team,” said Diliman coach Rensy Bajar.

With school owner former Sen. Nikki Coseteng in the crowd, Diliman clawed its way back from a 10-point deficit with Diego hitting back-to-back triples late in the second to steer the Blue Dragons to a 28-25 lead at the turn.

Qattara then took over in the second half as Diliman pulled away at 56-47 before coating to victory in the tournament backed by Hoop It Up, Zic Oil Lubricants, Athletes-in-Action with Manila Standard-Today as media partner.

Coseteng later presented the championship trophy together with TUA vice president of administration Leonora Yngente.