National University reaffirmed its mastery over University of the East and retained its crown with a 73-64 win in the PCABL Dickies Cup held over the weekend at the Buddhacare gym in Quezon City.
Like in their previous games, the duo of Rhena Itesi and Jack Animam struck hardest for the Lady Bulldogs by scoring 13 points each aside from combining for 28 boards.
NU’s title win just showed its 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 having won the Rexona Women’s Cup last summer also at the expense of 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 also supported by Smart Communications, Powerhouse and CW Home Depot.
Riixie Antiquera also shone offensively for NU with 12 points – all coming from the 3-point zone.
Ruth Tacula paced the losing squad with 19 points spiked by three triples.
