In a heart-stopping finale that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the St. Cecilia's College (SCC) Maestros from Minglanilla etched their names into local sports history. The team was formally awarded the championship trophy for the first Metro Cebu College Basketball League (MCCBL) by Commissioner Jerry Capacio, cementing their status as the league's pioneer champions.
A Championship Forged in Final Seconds
The title was decided in a dramatic championship clash last Saturday, December 13, 2025, at the Cordova Sports Complex on Mactan Island. The SCC Maestros narrowly escaped with an 80-78 victory over a determined Talisay City College squad, showcasing the high level of competition in the league's inaugural tournament, which was founded by Cordova Councilor Remar Baguio.
The game was a back-and-forth battle from the opening tip-off. With just over two minutes remaining, SCC held a precarious 76-75 lead. Talisay's hopes surged when Kent Mag-aso drained a clutch three-pointer with 26.7 seconds left, tying the score at 78-78. However, the Maestros had the final answer.
Heroic Plays Seal the Victory
In the game's decisive moment, Joseph Alicaya Jr. received an inbound pass from tournament MVP Patrick John Dobleros. With ice in his veins, Alicaya sank a floating jumper with merely 4.1 seconds on the clock, putting SCC ahead 80-78. Talisay's last attempt to force overtime was thwarted by St. Cecilia's stifling defense, resulting in a turnover and triggering celebrations for the Minglanilla-based team.
Dobleros was instrumental in the win, leading his team with 20 points and five assists, a performance that earned him the league's first-ever Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. Alicaya Jr. backed him up with 17 points and seven rebounds, while Benedick Alforque added 10 points.
Setting the Standard for MCCBL
For Talisay City College, the loss was a tough pill to swallow despite a valiant effort. Ruel Barliso powered his team with an impressive double-double of 19 points and 16 rebounds. Elmar Tuburan and Kent Mag-aso contributed 16 and 15 points, respectively.
The victory establishes the SCC Maestros as the benchmark for the newly formed league. Their triumph in this four-day tournament, which served as a dry run for the MCCBL, promises an exciting future for collegiate basketball in Metro Cebu. The intense competition and last-second drama of the final have set a high standard for seasons to come.
