Diliman College dominates Fr. Martin’s Cup
DILIMAN College copped its second crown in two weeks as it claimed the 2017 Fr. Martin’s Cup basketball tournament title on Friday at the San Beda College gym in Mendiola, Manila.
Banking on African import Alex Diakhite and Rickson Gerero, the Blue Dragons posted a sterling 75-63 win over Centro Escolar University in the finals.
“Thank you Sen Nikki Coseteng our School President and Boss Jerome Ngo of Gerrys Grill our Team Manager and asst team manager Wilson Sia for your undying support for our sports program,” said Diliman College head coach Rensy Bajar.
Diahkite had a monster double-double output of 31 points and 20 rebounds while Gerero chipped in 21 markers for the Blue Dragons.
Diliman College made it to the finals by ousting favorite teams from the University Athletic Association of the Philippines and National Collegiate Athletic Association including former NCAA champion Colegio de San Juan de Letran in the semifinals (91-85).
The Blue Dragons also beat University of the Philippines in the quarterfinals (84-64), and De La Salle University (7568) and Ateneo de Manila University (74- 61) in the elimination round.
Besides Diakhite and Gerero, the other members of the team are Kristoffer Torrado, Algie Chavenia, Earl Salazar, Sonny Cuerquez, Youssat Mbiya, Jethro Sombero, Arvin Angeles, Kris Antalan, Jonathan Regencia, Joseph Brutas, Mikko Tay, Christian Diaz and MJ Enriquez.
Last week, Diliman College ruled the 2017 Universities and Colleges Basketball League ( UCBL) Summer Invitational Tournament.
“There’s no such thing as an instant team. Even with great coach, there’s no guarantee that the team will be as great. It’s a lot of hardwork to produce champion teams. The champions know that. I am fortunate to have a great team and great coaches,” said Diliman College owner Nikki Coseteng.
“Our Diliman College students are disciplined and dedicated to their game. They respect their coaches and understand whatever is being taught to them will be their treasures forever. They realize there’s no sustitute for preparation,” added Coseteng.