The Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles took a significant step toward securing a coveted Final Four spot after defeating the University of the Visayas Baby Lancers 48-39 in Cesafi action on Friday, November 28, 2025.
Eagles Soar After Slow Start
The defending champions initially found themselves trailing 0-4 in the opening quarter but quickly responded with a 6-0 scoring run. The first period ended with both teams locked at 10-10, setting the stage for an intense battle.
Coach Rommel Rasmo's squad found their rhythm in the second quarter, with Gabriel Gonzales, Jacob Steven Lacson, and Henry Kristoffr Suico providing crucial contributions. Their collective effort helped the Magis Eagles establish a 26-18 advantage heading into halftime.
Baby Lancers Mount Third Quarter Comeback
UV refused to surrender quietly, mounting an impressive 14-4 rally in the third quarter. Clint Paglinawan, AJ Ejurango, Llyco Ventura, and Carl Jacob Cortes led the charge that saw the Baby Lancers seize a 32-30 lead by the end of the period.
However, the momentum shifted dramatically in the final quarter as UV's offense stalled at a critical juncture. Meanwhile, the Magis Eagles caught fire at precisely the right moment.
Basa Leads Fourth Quarter Charge
Lian Kent Basa emerged as the hero for Ateneo, finishing with 12 points and six rebounds. He teamed up with Jibson Gaviola (9 points) and Benj Anthony Chua during the decisive stretch to secure the victory while dealing a blow to UV's playoff aspirations.
Henry Kristoffr Suico provided valuable support with 10 rebounds and four points, demonstrating his reliability as an offensive contributor for the Magis Eagles.
Despite the loss, UV's AJ Ejurango delivered an outstanding individual performance with 11 points and 15 rebounds. Rhadz Simon Silawan added nine points, while Ventura contributed six points as the Baby Lancers fell to a 3-5 record.
Standings Implications and Senior Team Success
The victory improved the Magis Eagles' record to 7-2, tying them with the University of Cebu Lapu-Lapu/Mandaue Webmasters and Cebu Eastern College Dragons for the top spot in the team standings.
Under the Cesafi competition format, the top two teams after the elimination round will earn a twice-to-beat advantage entering the Final Four, making every victory crucial for championship aspirations.
There was some consolation for UV supporters as their senior team dominated the University of San Jose-Recoletos Jaguars 81-68. This victory returned UV to the top of the standings, where they now share first place with the University of Cebu Webmasters, both holding 10-2 records.
Raul Gentallan led UV with 16 points, while Paul John Taliman and Kent Ivo Salarda provided strong support with 15 and 12 points respectively. Christian Jay Alilin also finished in double figures with 11 points, shooting an efficient 57 percent from the field.
The Jaguars, who held a 20-17 lead after the first frame, were led by El John Lacaya's 17 points. Archer Obra, Samuel Melicor Jr., and Christian Carl Sollano contributed 12, 11, and 10 points respectively as USJ-R dropped to 6-5, maintaining a narrow lead over the fifth-place University of San Carlos Warriors (6-6).
