Golden Tigers, Wildcats join PCCL zonal meets

University of Luzon and University of Mindanao have advanced to the Zonal championships of the SMART-PLDT-KFC Philippine Collegiate Championship League.

The Pangasinan-based UL Golden Tigers made mincemeat of Lyceum of the Philippines-Subic Bay, 109-84, at the Divine World Academy gym in Dagupan City.

The Tigers will join Zone 1 qualifiers Baguio champion St. Louis University, NCAA-South runner-up Lyceum-Batangas, NCAA fourth placer Mapua and Fr. Martin Cup titlist Arellano University.

In Davao City, the UM Wildcats clobbered Ramon Magsaysay Memorial College (GenSan), 90-64, and Jose Maria College of Davao, 74-58, to capture the Region 8 championship at Gaisano Gym.

The Wilcats complete the Zone 4 championship qualifiers that include Xavier University Crusaders (Region 7 champion); Ateneo de Zamboanga Blue Eagles (Region 9 champion); FEU Tamaraws (UAAP third placer); University of San Carlos Warriors (CESAFI third placer) and Cagayan de Oro Scorpions, a wild card qualifier.

There are four zonal championships with six teams in each zone competing.

The top two teams from each zone will join the elite group in the FilOil Flying V “Sweet 16”– Final Challenge.

Automatic qualifiers in this elite circle are Ateneo Blue Eagles, San Beda Red Lions, De La Salle Green Archers, Jose Rizal Heavy Bombers, University of Visayas Green Lancers, San Sebastian College-Recoletos Cavite Baycats, Manuel L. Quezon Univesity Stallions and the Universal College of Nursing Golden Dragons.