MANILA, Philippines — Denied in their first attempt at glory two years ago, the Olivarez College Sea Lions hope to be lucky this time as they clash with the top-ranked Diliman College Blue Dragons today in the sudden death of their Universities and Colleges Basketball League Finals at the Olivarez campus gym in Parañaque.
The Sea Lions advanced to the finals in the maiden season but were beaten by the mighty Centro Escolar University Scorpions in two games.
Olivarez coach Myk Saguiguit, however, is looking for a different result this time especially after beating the Blue Dragons for the first time in four tries last Thursday, 80-71.
The defeat was doubly painful for the Blue Dragons as they saw their 10-game winning streak dating back to the elims come to a disappointing end. But Diliman coach Rensy Bajar remains unperturbed, believing his boys have what it takes to bounce back.
Bajar is looking for consistency, especially from Benin’s Steve Gandjeto who struggled for seven points and five rebounds – clearly a victim of Olivarez’s Big D.
They also need to defend well against Vinn Begaso, Olivarez’s biggest revelation with his 20-point and 16-board effort.