PCCL Luzon qualifier under way

MANILA, Philippines - The North-Central Luzon regional qualifying of the Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL) gets under way in Vigan, Ilocos Sur with La Union’s La Finns Scholastica as defending champion.

But the Lion Hearts will be hard-pressed to score a repeat with a slew of tough teams out to foil their bid, including SCUAA champion University of Northern Philippines (Vigan), Baguio-Benguet Educational Athletic League (BBEAL) titleholder University of Baguio, Universities & Colleges Athletic Association of Pangasinan (UCAAP) ruler Lyceum Northwestern  University and (United Central Luzon Athletic Association (UCLAA) champion Lyceum of Subic Bay.

The finals, set tomorrow, will be telecast by ABS-CBN on Studio 23 on Sunday at 2 p.m.

The winner earns a berth in the Sweet 16 Round and a shot at the Final Four.

University of Northern Philippines (UNP) ripped Mariano Marcos State University of Ilocos Norte, 82-67, to bag the President League SCUAA 1 crown. UNP also defeated Don M. Marcos Memorial State U (La Union) and Pangasinan State University.

University of Baguio captured the 27th BBEAL basketball tournament title by turning back University of the Cordilleras.

In Pangasinan, the Lyceum Northwestern University Dukes outplayed arch rival University of Pangasinan- Phinma Flames, 89-67, for the UCAAP crown.

Perennial contender Lyceum of Subic won the UCLAA title by nosing out Bulacan State University Goldgears, 70-68, in Olongapo City.

For details, visit the league website

(collegiatechampionsleague.net), like our official Facebook fan page (Philippine College Champions League) and Follow us on Twitter (@pccleague2013).