Greyhounds open regional title defense

MANILA, Philippines - The South Luzon-Bicol regional championship of the Philippine Collegiate Championship got under way yesterday with the University of Nueva Caceres Greyhounds defending their title against four teams at the Naga Civic Center in Naga City.

Competing against the UNC Greyhounds are the Computer Communications Institute Wildcats of Sorsogon, the Bicol Colleges of Daraga of Legaspi, the Calayan Foundation Cougars of Quezon, and the Amano Cope College of Tabac.

The UNC Greyhounds topped the Naga eliminations following a 57-44 win over the Ateneo de Naga Golden Knights.

The Wildcats edged the Aemilianum College Knights, 74-63, to qualify for the regional finals for the first time.

Both the Calayan Foundation Cougars and the Amano Cope College swept their leagues in Quezon province and Tabaco, respectively.

The South Luzon-Bicol regional champion will play against UAAP sixth placer De La Salle Green Archers, the UCLAAI titlists St. Francis of Assisi Doves and the NCAA-South champion in the South Luzon-Metro Manila zonal qualifying games set Nov. 12-14 in Naga City.

The Naga winner advances to the “Sweet 16” Finals to join earlier qualifiers Ateneo Blue Eagles, University of the East Red Warriors, Far Eastern University Tamaraws, UST Growling Tigers, San Sebastian College-Recoletos Stags, San Beda Red Lions, JRU Heavy Bombers and the Letran Knights.

For more details about the 2009 Philippine Collegiate Championship games sponsored by PLDT and SMART, visit the PCCL official website, www.CollegiateChampionsLeague.net.