Reigning UAAP champion National University kept its unblemished record intact by trouncing 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 held over the weekend at the RTU gym in Manila.
With Gemma Miranda presiding over the team’s huge start, the NU belles raced to a 22-12 first quarter lead and never looked back as they posted their 43rd straight win 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, thanks to 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.