Cebu’s University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers begin their campaign in the Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL) Elite Eight today as they tangle with the NCAA runners-up, Lyceum College Pirates at the Ynares Sports Arena.
The two teams square off at 3 p.m.
UV will be up against some tough odds against a Pirates squad that boasts of the reigning NCAA MVP CJ Perez, the Marcelino twins Jaycee and Jayvee, and ironically, former UV reinforcement Mike Nzeusseu, the Cameroonian forward who helped lead the Green Lancers to the 2013 Cesafi title.
Meanwhile, the General Santos City-based Holy Trinity College (HTC) Wildcats topped UAAP powerhouse La Salle, 75-69, in the first game yesterday.
Joseph Diamante and Leomerk Salas proved too tough to stop for the Team B squad of La Salle as the duo sparked a 10-0 run in the fourth to turn the tide in their favor after they trailed, 48-57.
Diamante scored 21 points while Salas had 20 points. Holy Trinity surged in front and stayed there for good after two buckets by Diamante and a short jumper by Salas for a 66-61 lead.
Everby Dialogo scored 10 points and pulled down 11 rebounds for the Wildcats, the perennial qualifier from Mindanao.
Antonio Miguel Yang had 21 points and eight rebounds, while Renzel Yongco put up 16 points for the Green Archers.
In the second game, the reigning champions San Beda University Red Lions came from behind to thwart the San Sebastian Stags, 70-67. Robert Bolick Jr. scored 14 points and issued seven assists to lead the Red Lions’ bid for a third straight title.