La Salle shocks AdU, reaches final

MANILA, Philippines - La Salle stunned erstwhile unbeaten Adamson, 70-67, in overtime to advance to the finals of the FCBL Dickies Cup at the Philippine Buddhacare gym in Quezon City last weekend.

Aracelie Abaca led La Salle with 20 points but it was Nicole Garcia who delivered in the clutch, hitting a basket with only 20 seconds remaining as the Lady Archers stopped the former UAAP champions for the first time in a long while. 

Garcia wound up with 10 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals to clinch her first Dickies Underwear Player of the Game award.

The San Marcelino-based squad actually had a chance to win but Mary Penaranda turned the ball over twice, including in the last 10 seconds that paved the way for La Salle’s victory in the tournament presented by Dickies.

The Lady Falcons then fouled Trisha Patas, who secured the win for La Salle with two free throws.

La Salle will dispute the title with WNCAA champion Lyceum on Saturday.

The Lady Pirates advanced to the finals by beating the UST Tigresses, 70-58, in the event backed by Smart, Mang Inasal, Home Depot and Powerhouse.

It was a sorry loss for the Lady Falcons, who battled back from a 12-point deficit in the first half and even led, 67-66, with only 35 seconds left in overtime only to crack under pressure.

France Cabinbin led Lyceum with 17 points, including nine in the first quarter that helped the Lady Pirates take a 34-25 lead at halftime.