The Blue Eagles, who captured a fourth straight title in the UAAP, and the Red Lions, who streaked to back-to-back crowns in the NCAA, have been seeded to the semifinals of the competition that draws the best collegiate teams in the country.
Ateneo is gunning for a third straight title in the tournament, while San Beda, which finished third two years ago, seeks to become the first NCAA team to rule the tournament.
Already assured of Sweet 16 berths are UAAP Final Four squads Far Eastern U, Adamson and University of Santo Tomas. Advancing straight to the Sweet 16 from the NCAA are Letran, San Sebastian and Jose Rizal U.
Two more slots are at stake in the Cesafi tournament in Cebu.
The Metro Manila qualifying games will also stake two spots in the knockout phase, while the regional champions from North-Central Luzon, South Luzon-Bicol, Visayas and Mindanao dispute the remaining berths.
The qualifying games for North-Central Luzon are slated Nov. 7 and 8 in Vigan; Metro Manila on Nov. 8 to 10; South Luzon-Bicol on Nov. 11 and 12 in Naga; Mindanao on Nov. 15 and 16 in Davao; and Visayas at Ormoc City on Nov. 27 and 28.