Diliman nips TIP in overtime

Rickson Gerero achieved in overtime what he failed to do in regulation.

The gutsy 5-foot-11 guard hit the go-ahead pull-up jumper with nine seconds left as Diliman College outlasted Technological Institute of the Philippines yesterday, 78-76, to move up to solo third in the Universities and Colleges Basketball League (UCBL) Season 2 at the Olivarez Collge gym in Sucat, Parañaque City.

Dominant Senegalese big man Adama Diakhite threw his full weight around the paint anew with gamehighs of 21 rebounds and three blocks on top of 18 points but it was Gerero who came up with the most decisive bucket that helped the Blue Dragons hold off the upset-conscious Engineers.

Gerero overcame a rough shooting performance as he drilled in just his fourth field goal out of 16 tries, helping him and the Blue Dragons avert a monumental meltdown after squandering a six-point lead in the final two minutes of regulation.

“I’m happy with the win but I’m still not satisfied,” said Diliman College coach Rensy Bajar after his wards racked up their ninth win in 14 tries but scrambled their way to the Final Four round.

“Give credit to coach Potit (de Vera) and TIP. They gave us a tough fight. And I know this will serve us in good stead come the playoff round. I hope my players will put this great experience to good use.”

Jorey Napoles finished with a gamehigh of 19 points before fouling out late in regulation for the Engineers, who gave the Blue Dragons all they could handle before dropping their ninth match after 13 starts.

Earlier, Bulacan State University got back at Lyceum-Batangas, 109-101, to sustain its late resurgence.