The University of Northern Philippines (UNP) recently ruled the North-Central Luzon qualifier to capture a Sweet 16 berth in the Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL).
The UNP Sharks, champions of the Schools Colleges Universities Athletic Association, drubbed the University of Pangasinan, 95-77, in the knockout final duel in Vigan City.
Aside from toppling the Pangasinan five, the reigning Universities and Colleges Athletic Association of Pangasinan titlist, the Sharks also edged two other champions in the University of Cordillera, La Union College of Nursing Arts and Sciences, and University of Pangasinan.
The Cordillera squad topped the Baguio-Benguet Educational Athletic League, while the La Union crew dominated the Student Body Organization Athletic Association.
The Sharks, who earned an all-expense paid trip to Manila, joined early Sweet 16 qualifiers Far Eastern University, Adamson, University of Santo Tomas, San Sebastian, Letran, Jose Rizal University and Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. finalists University of Cebu and Southwestern University.
National University and La Salle also joined the elite group after topping the Metro Manila qualifiers last week.
Four-time UAAP champion Ateneo and back-to-back NCAA titlist San Beda secured outright semifinal berths.
PCCL executive director Joe Lipa said the stepladder Sweet 16 Finals will start on Nov. 19 at the FilOil-Flying V Arena in San Juan.
Battling for the remaining Sweet 16 berths in the Southern Luzon-Bicol qualifiers in Naga City are the University of Batangas, University of Perpetual Help Laguna, Amanda Cope College, Lewis College, MS Enverga University, and Ateneo de Naga .
Two more regional contests are set this month for the tournament gathering the best collegiate teams in the country.
The Mindanao qualifier is set on Nov. 15 and 16 in Davao City, while the Visayas leg is slated Nov. 27 and 28 in Ormoc City.