UST, CSB down Dickies FCBL rivals

MANILA, Philippines - University of Santo Tomas and College of St. Benilde downed their respective rivals over the weekend to boost their bids for twice-to-beat privileges in the quarterfinals of the second Dickies-FCBL (Filipino-Chinese Basketball League) Women’s Cup at the Philippine Buddhacare Academy gym in Quezon City.

With Maica Cortez hitting a clutch basket, the Tigresses weathered the searing comeback of the Lyceum Lady Pirates in the second half for a 64-61 win while the Lady Blazers snapped a two-game skid with a 78-66 win over the Centro Escolar University.

Cortez finished with 18 points and 13 boards to clinch another Dickies Player of the Game award.

It was the third straight win for the España-based squad after dropping its first three games to remain in contention for the three remaining bonuses.

The win was the Lady Blazers’ fourth in six starts, tying Far Eastern U for second-third places in the event also backed by Smart Telecom, Powerhouse, CW Home Depot, Jumbo Plastic Linoleum and Hapee Toothpaste.

Adamson cemented its hold of the solo lead by outlasting defending champion FEU, 64-55, for a 5-1 record going into the last playing date of the elims.

La Salle also kept its twice-to-beat bid alive by overpowering long-time rival Ateneo, 62-42, for a 3-3 mark.