AdU turns back CSB, clinches FCBL crown

MANILA, Philippines - Marianne Tongco hit a clutch triple while Janelle de Castro came through with a block and a putback as Adamson subdued College of St. Benilde, 61-58, to capture the second Dickies-FCBL (Filipino-Chinese Basketball League) Women’s Cup crown at the Philippine Buddhacare Academy gym in Quezon City over the weekend.

With time winding down on their shot clock, Tongco buried a triple, shoving the Lady Falcons to a 59-58 lead with 39 seconds left and sparking a wild celebration from their supporters. 

The Lady Blazers tried to retaliate but De Castro foiled Jennifer Mayol’s shot then sealed the victory for the Freego-backed Adamson squad with a putback. 

She emerged the Dickies Finals MVP after finishing with 23 points in the tournament also backed by Smart Telecom, Powerhouse, CW Home Depot, Jumbo Plastic Linoleum and Hapee.  She also had 12 boards and two blocks as she more than made up for the anemic shooting of eventual MVP winner Mary Snow Penaranda.

Penaranda, who also led the Mythical Selection along with FEU’s Vangie Soriano and Camille Sambile, UST’s Mika Cortez and CEU’s Folashade Ogunsemoyin, was held to just seven points.

Also shining for Adamson was Jinky Balasta who finished with 17 markers, including nine in the first quarter – all from the three-point area. Mhea dela Torre paced the Lady Blazers with 16 points.

Meantime, FEU beat La Salle, 48-45, to finish third. 

Officials of Dickies, assisted by tournament director Horacio Lim, handed the trophy to the champion and medals to individual winners.