Top seed Army and reigning champion National University inched closer to a projected title clash as they overwhelmed their respective quarterfinals rivals in the PCABL 7th Dickies Women’s Basketball Tournament held over the weekend at the Buddhacare gym in Quezon City.
Getting big games this time from Banjo Soriano and Love Joy Sto. Domingo, the Army Troopers torpedoed the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons, 78-43, while the NU Lady Bulldogs crushed the University of the East lady Warriors, 88-40.
This time there was no need for World Cup 3×3 veteran Jhanine Pontejos to play longer minutes as Soriano and Sto. Domingo sizzled with 18 and 16 points, respectively, for the team’s seventh straight win since dropping its opening game in the elims.
Pontejos, who erupted for 39 points in the team’s 72-64 win over NU last week, scored only eight points in 19 minutes of play.
In the semis, the Troopers will face No. 4 Philippine Under-18 which outlasted Adamson, 81-72, in the event also backed by EuroMed, Multimotors Auto Parts, CW Home Depot, Choi Garden Restaurant and Blackwater.
The PH U-18 team is coming off a successful ASEAN School Games stint where it retained its title undefeated.
Jack Animan, Rhena Itesi and Flor Ceno combined for 36 points in what could be NU’s most lopsided win so far in the annual tournament.
The Lady Bullpups, who finished second in the elims, will face No. 3 Air Force, which outlasted Ateneo, 70-67, behind the deadly foursome of Gemma Miranda, Cindy Resultay, Ana Buendia and Analyn Almazan.
