Defending champion National University and Army clinched twice-to-beat privileges in the quarterfinal round by downing their respective rivals in the PCABL 7th Dickies Women’s Basketball Tournament held over the weekend at the Buddhacare gym in Quezon City.
With Je-Ann Camelo and Ria Nabalan burying four triples each, the NU belles overpowered the Air Force dribblers, 81-76, for their 6th straight win in as many games last Sunday.
It was Air Force’s second straight defeat in the tournament serving as a preseason tournament for some UAAP teams after absorbing a 76-74 loss to the Army Troopers last Saturday.
Army’s win, on the other hand, was its fifth since dropping its opening game in the tournament also backed by EuroMed, Multimotors Auto Parts, CW Home Depot, Choi Garden Restaurant and Blackwater.
NU, mentored by Patrick Aquino and backed by Ever Bilena big boss Dioceldo Sy, and Army fight for the No. 1 seed on Sunday.
“Good thing we’re making our outside shots,” said Aquino. “Hopefully we can sustain it when we face Army.”
Camelo shared the scoring honors with Rhena Itesi after scoring 16 points each while Nabalan wound up with 14.
In all, the Lady Bulldogs, who are going for a UAAP five-peat, finished with 12 triples aside from dominating the boards, 49-41.
Cindy Resultay led five Air Force players in double figures with 20 points highlighted by two triples.
Meanwhile, University of the East closed out its elimination campaign on a high note with a 69-50 drubbing of University of the Philippines.
It was UE’s first win in seven games.
