Ateneo de Manila University has only experienced two losses over the past 1,049 days.
And in those defeats, there was one common denominator – Malick Diouf.
The 6-foot-11 big man had 23 points and 16 rebounds when he led Centro Escolar University to a 77-74 win over Ateneo in Game Two of the 2019 PBA D-League Finals.
He then had a similar performance for University of the Philippines in its 84-83 win over the Blue Eagles this evening. Diouf picked up 18 points, 16 rebounds, and four assists in 28:36 minutes of action.
“That was a good game. We just followed the instructions of the coach. We played our system. We defended very well. The offense was great,” said Diouf.
“That’s it. I’m so happy right now.”
There was much talk in pre-season as to whether or not Diouf can be the dominant center in the UAAP. After a so-so start as a Fighting Maroon, Diouf has finally come to life.
Amidst the presence of Gilas Pilipinas center Ange Kouame, the Senegalese cager demonstrated that he is indeed the real deal as UP looks to build momentum for a title run.
“When I play, I don’t think much about Ange. I was playing a match against Ateneo. Ange is a good player. I was playing for the UP community,” said Diouf. “That’s why when I defend, I defend against the five players on the court.
“Not only Ange.”
It took a long while coming but the wait was worth it. Diouf has finally come alive as the Fighting Maroons’ alpha male in the paint.
With a rematch against Ateneo possible come the finals, expect him and his teammates to be more motivated next time around as they fight to bring Diliman its first crown since 1986.
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