University of Batangas hopes to secure a return stint to the Sweet 16 when the South Luzon-Bicol regional qualifier of the Philippine Collegiate Champions League gets going from Nov. 3 to 5 at JM Robredo Coliseum in Naga City.
But the Brahmans face a tough cast of challengers led by NCAA South champion St. Francis.
The leg winner will advance to the Round of 16, where Visayas champion West Negros and Mindanao titlist Holy Trinity College of General Santos City also earned berths recently.
Hosting the regional competition is the office of Naga City Mayor John Garcia Bongat.
Ateneo, the newly crowned five-time UAAP champion, already secured an outright Sweet 16 berth along with runner-up University of Santo Tomas and semifinalists National University and La Salle.
NCAA champion San Beda, finalist Letran and Final Four teams San Sebastian and Perpetual Help also advanced.
For details, visit www.CollegiateChampionsLeague.net. Jasmine W. Payo