Tigresses nip Tams, claim semis berth

MANILA, Philippines - University of Santo Tomas surprised reigning UAAP champion Far Eastern University twice, including in their tense knockout match, 48-46, to clinch the last semis berth in the FCBL Dickies Cup Tuesday at the Philippine Buddhacare gym in Quezon City.

Joy Galicia stood tall for the España-based squad as she knocked in eight of her team-high 10 points in the payoff period spiced by two triples to complete their remarkable feat. They finished the elims at No. 7 in the eight-team tournament presented by Dickies Philippines.

The Lady Tamaraws, on the other hand, wound up second in the elims with a 5-2 record but showed none of the brilliance that won them the UAAP title last year.

For her solid all-around performance, Galicia was named the Dickies Underwear Player of the Game as she also helped create plays for her teammates, especially during the critical period of the game.

Galicia, along with Lor Rivera, Janine Ong, Jovi Andaya and Elie Salvador also shone in the team’s 61-58 win over the Morayta-based squad to force a knockout match.

With the win, the Tigresses arranged a Final Four showdown with Lyceum, which romped to a 72-55 win over University of the East in the event also backed by Smart, Mang Inasal, Home Depot and Powerhouse.

The other semis pairing will pit elimination topnotcher Adamson against La Salle at 11:30 a.m.

The Lady Falcons, which swept the elims, reaffirmed their mastery over the Ateneo Lady Eagles, 79-70, thanks to the 21-point performance of Angelica Ortega, while the Lady Archers leaned on Sara Corcuera’s splendid shooting to beat Centro Escolar University, 66-60.

Like the semis, the finals is also a one-game affair.