The zonal competition of the Philippine Collegiate Champions League tips off today with host and Visayas champion West Negros University starting its bid against Mindanao titlist Holy Trinity College of General Santos City at the WNU Gym.

Gametime is at 6 p.m. with the Mustangs hoping to capitalize on their homecourt advantage to kick off their campaign on a positive note.

“It’s good that we have the homecourt advantage,” said WNU coach Troy Sarabia. “But we cannot underestimate the other teams because, like us, they also had a difficult time getting to this stage.”

Heavily-favored Arellano University, which reached the zonal stage for its fifth place finish in the NCAA, will meet University of San Carlos in the first game at 4 p.m.

USC made the zonal competition owing to its third place finish in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc.

The Mustangs, the 11-time NOPSSCEA defending champion, advanced as the Visayas champion, after dumping Iloilo winner John B. Lacson Maritime Foundation University in the regional finals last month.

Sarabia is also concerned that they have not scouted HTC.

 “It’s going to be tough because we have no idea on how they play,” Sarabia said. “We just have to make adjustments as the game goes along.”

The Mustangs are gunning for one of the two slots at stake to the Sweet 16 finals. The last time the Mustangs made the Sweet 16 was two years ago when they fell in the first round against Jose Rizal University.

West Negros will face USC on Thursday, before wrapping up its campaign against Arellano on Friday.

The Arellano Chiefs loom as the favorites to rule the tournament with a formidable roster bannered by NCAA mythical five member Gio Ciriacruz, sweet shooting forward Andrian Celada and pint-sized playmaker Leo Anquillo, who stands just a shade over five feet.

The Mustangs will be led by guards Alfie Villariza, Jeff Jacinto and vastly-improved big man Raul Suyod. Completing the squad are Briton Javelona, Virgelio Dapar, Jetric Sumido, Jestoni Agriam, Rushmore Catalino, Rolly Jaca, Jay-R Agudelo, Robert Lauron and Francis Merin.*

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Three-way tie in Balbina Cup 2001
PCCL zonal opens today at WNU