Lady Bulldogs sweep Dickies Cup elims

MANILA, Philippines – Reigning UAAP champion National University smothered Far Eastern University, 77-51, to complete a seven-game sweep of the elims in the Smart-PCABL (Pilipinas Chinese Amateur Basketball League) Dickies Women’s Cup at the RTU gym in Manila over the weekend.

With Gemma Miranda taking charge at the onset, the NU belles raced to a 22-12 first quarter lead and never looked back on their way to a 43rd win in row since their breakthrough title sweep of the UAAP crown two seasons ago.

The NU belles also retained their UAAP crown late last year via another 16-game sweep which coach Pat Aquino hopes to duplicate as they go for a rare three-peat.

Miranda buried two triples to finish with 26 points, 12 of them in the second quarter that gave a 41-27 halftime advantage.

Blackwater picked up its fifth win by downing Centro Escolar University, 82-65, behind a decisive third quarter run anchored on Andrea Tongco and Analyn Almazan.

For topping the elims, NU is now assured of a semis berth as Blackwater is not allowed to play for the championship being a guest team in the tournament also sponsored by Advanced Solution Inc., Powerhouse, CW Home Depot, Dickies Underwear, Hapee Toothpaste and Jumbo Plastic Linoleum.

Adamson-Mighty Sports grabbed the last twice-to-beat bonus in the quarterfinal round with an 88-84 come-from-behind win over Rizal Technological University.

The Lady Falcons finished the elims at No. 4 with a 3-4 record while La Salle and UE dispute the No. 2 spot tomorrow.

UE and La Salle tote similar 4-2 marks.