Olivarez trips Naga, reaches NCC-MM elims

MANILA, Philippines - Olivarez College proved steadier in the clutch and held off host city champion Naga College Foundation, 78-74, to rule the South Luzon-Bicol Regionals of the National Collegiate Championship in Naga recently.

The victory thus sent the Olivarez College Dream Hunters, representing the United Calabarzon Collegiate League (UCCL) to the NCC Luzon-Metro Manila Qualifier set Dec. 9-13 in Manila and Tanauan City, Batangas.

Others vying in the event are the Mapua Cardinals and the Jose Rizal U Heavy Bombers from the NCAA, the National U Bulldogs from the UAAP, the St. Claire College side from NAASCU, the Technological Institute of the Philippines, PATTS and the winner of the North-Central Luzon regionals.

The top two teams in the Luzon-Metro Manila elims will advance to the NCC Elite Eight.

The NCC is an annual multi-level nationwide competition to determine the one and only national collegiate champion for the year.

The tournament is organized and managed by Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL), which brings together collegiate champions all over the country to compete for possession of the M. V. Pangilinan Perpetual Trophy Sculpture, “Abutin Ang Tagumpay”, symbol of collegiate basketball supremacy.

The San Beda Red Lions are the current holder of the sculpture after winning last year’s championship.