University of Santo Tomas scuttled Ateneo-San Miguel Corporation’s spirited comeback to eke out a 60-56 decision and secure the first finals berth in the Smart-PCABL 4th Dickies Cup held recently at Philippine Buddhacare gym in Quezon City.
The Tigresses enjoyed a 15-point lead going into the final quarter, but Ateneo’s Jolina Go engineered the team’s fightback by scoring 10 of her 19 points.
However, Maica Cortez bailed UST out of trouble with two clutch baskets down the stretch to preserve the win.
The Tigresses will face either University of the East or Centro Escolar U-CafeFrance in the winner-take-all final.
The Lady Warriors forged a playoff in their semifinal series with the Lady Scorpions by pulling off a 94-91 squeaker.
CEU and UST have twice-to-beat advantages after finishing 1-2 in the elimination of the tournament also sponsored by CW Home Depot, Powerhouse, K-Tech Sports, Inc., Dickies Underwear and Jumbo Plastic Linoleum.