EXPECT wild and exciting action as Diliman College and Olivarez College clash in Game One of the Universities and Colleges Basketball League (UCBL) Season 3 Finals on Monday at the Olivarez campus in Parañaque City.
Match is set at 12 noon with the Olivarez Sea Lions determined to follow up their stunning semis win over the second-ranked Centro Escolar University Scorpions.
The Diliman Blue Dragons of former Senator Nikki Coseteng and coach Rensy Bajar beat the Sea Lions twice in the elims but fans can only expect intense matches much similar to what transpired in their previous matches.
In the first round, the Blue Dragons needed the heroics of Alvin Van Coquia and Robby Darang to hack out a 79-77 win.
Darang was also the hero in the team’s 85-84 victory in the second round after burying a jumper with only 15 ticks left.
This marked Olivarez’s second finals appearance after losing to the CEU Scorpions in the maiden edition of the tournament.
Colegio de San Lorenzo won last season’s championship but took a leave of absence this year.
Bajar sees the series to go the distance knowing full well that the Sea Lions are fully motivated by their stellar showing against the Scorpions.
“It’s not easy to beat CEU two in a row but Olivarez did it. So I expect another wild finish right in Game One,” said Bajar.
Expected to lead the Sea Lions are Paolo Castro, Chris Lalata and Joshua Almajeda while the Blue Dragons will once again be bannered by Darang, John Mahari and Benin’s Steve Gandjeto.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph