MANILA, Philippines - National University re-asserted its mastery over University of the East, scoring a 73-64 victory to retain the PCABL Dickies Cup crown at the Buddhacare gym in Quezon City recently.
Like in their previous games, Rhena Itesi and Jack Animam took charge for the Lady Bulldogs as they unloaded 13 points each and combined for 28 boards.
The title romp likewise underscored NU’s readiness to go for a four-peat in the coming UAAP season. The Lady Bulldogs won their first three titles without dropping a single game.
It was the team’s second preseason title as it also won the Rexona Women’s Cup last summer, also against the Lady Warriors.
NU, which swept the elims, advanced to the final by crushing Adamson, 88-57, while UE got back at CEU, 64-59.
Meanwhile, Adamson clinched third by downing Centro Escolar University, 64-59, in the tournament backed by Smart Communications, Powerhouse and CW Home Depot.
Riixie Antiquera drained four triples and added 12 points from NU while Ruth Tacula paced the losing squad with 19 points spiked by three triples.