The Mindanao zonal games of the Philippine Collegiate Championship begin today with six teams, led by UAAP third placer Far Eastern U, vying for the last two remaining slots in the “Sweet 16” at Xavier University Gym, Cagayan de Oro City.
The other teams competing in the event presented by Smart, PLDT, FilOil Flying V and KFC are the University of Mindanao Wild Cats, the Ateneo de Zamboanga Blue Eagles, the Xavier University Crusaders, and wild card entries the University of San Carlos Warriors and the Capitol U Stallions.
In the recently concluded Visayas zonal at Ormoc City, Letran Knights swept their matches, including a tough 84-82 win over the University of San Jose-Recoletos Jaguars, to advance to the national finals.
Letran will meet Naascu champion San Sebastian-Recoletos de Cavite in the first round of Sweet 16.
University of San Juan-Recoletos also made it to the tournament proper along with University of Visayas. The Jaguars will take on NCAA champion the San Beda Red Lions in Group Y.
Other pairings in the first round of the knockout phase are Ateneo vs Lyceum, MLQU vs Cardinals; and Jose Rizal U vs one of the Mindanao zone winners in Group X.
In Group Y, it is UCN Golden Dragons vs Arellano U Chiefs; University of Visayas vs Univ. of the East; and La Salle vs one of the Mindanao zone winners.
For details, log on to www.CollegiateChampionsLeague.net and www.gameface.ph.