Center UP Malick Diouf. Tristan Tamayo’s photo / INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines – Malick Diouf topped out his dire numbers as defending champion University of the Philippines secured a spot in the Final Four and extended his winning streak to six games in the UAAP Men’s Basketball Season 85.
In three games, Diouf reached the pinnacle of his career scoring twice, helping the Fighting Maroons improve to a league-leading 9-1 record.
Diouf also dominated UP’s 91-70 win over Adamson on Wednesday, where the Senegal centre-back scored 20 points with 10 of 13 effective shots from the field, including 7/7 in the first half.
The 6-foot-11-year-old Diouf has averaged 16 points, 10.3 goals, 3 assists, 1 steal and 1.6 saves in the past 3 games as he continues to assert his reach. His stature as one of the largest men in the college ranks today.
Despite an impressive three-match streak, Diouf has no plans to give up even if UAAP will take a 12-day break from Fiba.
“Break? I don’t think we’re going to have a break. We’re going to practice every day. But, for now, we just need to focus on the next game. Like, get ready. ready,” said Diouf, who was named Collegiate Press Corps UAAP Player of the Week by the Philippine Sports Commission, from October 30 to November 5.
Diouf awarded Zavier Lucero, NU’s Jolo Manansala, FEU’s Bryan Sajonia, Adamson’s Cedrick Manzano and Ateneo’s Ange Kouame for the weekly title considered in print and online media coverage of the tournament.
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