Olivarez College finally found an antidote and beat Diliman College for the first time this season, 81-73, forcing a sudden death in their Universities and Colleges Basketball League Season 3title series yesterday at the Olivarez campus gym in Parañaque City.
Cheered on by a huge crowd, the Sea Lions scored eight points, while holding the Blue Dragons scoreless in the first four minutes of the payoff period to end a three-game losing run against the Diliman dribblers.
The Blue Dragons clearly groped for their shots – no thanks to the Blue Dragons’ aggressive stand.
The do or die match is set on Monday at 12 noon, with the momentum definitely on Olivarez’s side.
Diliman took the opener of their best-of-three series, 80-71, last Monday.
Vinn Begaso turned out to be a revelation for the Sea Lions as he produced a double-double effort of 20 points and 16 boards. He also had four assists to highlight a solid all-around game.
Olivarez’s win likewise snapped Diliman’s impressive 10-game winning run dating back the elims.
Meantime, Centro Escolar University salvaged some measure of pride by finishing third following an 81-73 win over Technological Institute of the Philippines.
Four other Olivarez players scored in double figures with Joshua Alamejeda adding 14, Lawrence Castro and Dwight Saguiguit chipping in 12 points each and Chris Lalata contributing 10.
“The boys were focused to win this time,” said coach Myk Saguiguit. “Talagang pumukpok sila lalo na si Vinn.”
Though they started tentatively, the Sea Lions regrouped in the second frame and outscored the Blue Dragons, 19-14, to take a 65-62 half time lead.
They went on to control the game as they engaged the Rensy Bajar-mentored Sea Lions in an exciting third quarter shootout.
John Mahari paced the Blue Dragons with 18 points but got little support from Benin’s Steve Gandjeto who struggled for seven points and five rebounds – clearly a victim of Olivarez’s Big D.
Backing the event are CafeFrance, Hapee Toothpaste, Gerry’s Grill, MaxSell Power Tool, Yakult, TanduayAthletics, Toyota Motor Philippines and Tough Mama Home and Kitchen Appliances.”‹