NU Bulldogs, UM Hawks arrange showdown for PCCL sweet 16 berth

MANILA, Philippines—UAAP’s fifth placer National University and NAASCU titlist University of Manila survived another day in the Philippine Collegiate Championship League (PCCL) Metro Manila qualifiers at the Arena in San Juan.

The NU Bulldogs and the UM Hawks pulled off separate victories Tuesday to remain in step for a spot in the Sweet 16 of the PCCL, which will feature the best collegiate basketball teams from all over the country.

UM, holder of seven overall titles in NAASCU, moved through with a 78-69 win over ISAA champion Technological Institute of the Philippines.

Meanwhile, NU—which came up short anew in UAAP season 74 campaign—dominated and eliminated Lyceum of the Philippines, its NCAA counterpart, 84-74, even without main cog Ray Parks Jr.

UM and NU will meet in a knockout showdown on Thursday at the same venue, with one of two spots from the Metro Manila division up for grabs.

UCLAAI titlist Saint Francis of Assisi and MNCAA champion Centro Escolar University go head-to-head Wednesday at 2 p.m., while UAAP and NCAA’s sixth best squad De La Salle and Mapua aslo meet in the 4 p.m. encounter.

Winner of both games will also clash Thursday to determine who moves on to the final 16.