MVP Diego powers Blue Dragons to NCBL title

Diliman College emerged as unlikely champion in the National Collegiate Basketball League (NCBL) after tripping top-ranked Trinity University of Asia, 59-50, in the finals recently at Trinity gym in Quezon City.

Finals Most Valuable Player Harley Diego pumped in 20 points, including back-to-back triples in the first half that helped the Blue Dragons recover from an early 10-point deficit, 9-19.

Ibrahim Qattara shot 13 points and hauled down 20 rebounds to lead the Dragons’ strong second half, where they foiled the Stallions’ repeated fightbacks.

“It was our teamwork that carried the team,” said Diliman coach Rensy Bajar after the league newcomers stunned the Stallions, last season’s runner-up.

Diliman’s McArthur Enriquez also earned a spot in the Mythical Team along with season MVP Jordan Rios of Enderun College, Trinity’s Mark Doligon, Technological Institute of the Philippines’ Benedict Adamos and Centro Escolar University’s Patrick Aquino.

Diliman school owner and former Sen. Nikki Coseteng said more tournaments are lined up for the Dragons, who will next try to qualify in the Luzon-NCR tournament of the Philippine Collegiate Champions League. Jasmine W. Payo