MANILA - Defending champions De La Salle Green Archers (DLSU) barged into the “Sweet 16” Finals of the Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL) after sweeping their foes in the qualifying round.

DLSU sealed its return to the Sweet 16 by beating the University of Nueva Caceres (UNC) Greyhounds, 91-38, on Saturday, The Philippine Star reported.

The Green Archers, who triumphed over the Ateneo de Manila Blue Eagles last year, also defeated the St. Francis of Assissi Doves and Don Bosco Technical College Grey Wolves in the Naga Zonal Qualifying games, the PCCL website noted.

The other schools included in the Sweet 16 are UAAP champion Ateneo Blue Eagles, NCAA champion San Sebastian Golden Stags, Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc (CESAFI) winner University of the Visayas ,University of the East Red Warrios, San Beda Red Lions and Far Eastern University Tamaraws.

The Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers, University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers, Arellano Chiefs, Letran Knights, University of San Carlos Warriors, Mapua Cardinals, University of Cebu, San Sebastian College-Recoletos de Cavite Baycats, and University of Manila Hawks complete the Sweet 16.

The knockout stage of the PCCL Sweet 16 Finals will begin on November 23 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City. – With a report from The Philippine Star