The University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters delivered a commanding performance against the University of the Philippines-Cebu Fighting Maroons, securing a decisive 71-62 victory in their Cesafi college basketball tournament rematch on Tuesday evening, November 18, 2025, at the Cebu Coliseum.
Dominant Performance Secures Leadership Position
With this crucial win, the Webmasters have strengthened their hold on the solo leadership spot, now boasting an impressive 8-1 record in the tournament. Meanwhile, the struggling Fighting Maroons sank deeper into the standings with their 1-8 record, occupying the bottom position in the league.
This matchup carried special significance for the Webmasters, who sought redemption after suffering their only defeat of the season to the Fighting Maroons back on September 30, 2025, when UP Cebu emerged victorious with a 73-69 scoreline. This time around, the Webmasters ensured there would be no repeat of that stunning upset.
Game Breakdown and Key Moments
The Webmasters began pulling away in the middle of the third quarter, gradually building their lead until they established their largest advantage of the game at 63-44 with 6:03 minutes remaining, courtesy of a three-pointer from Joseph Arth Nalos.
The Fighting Maroons mounted a determined comeback effort, unleashing a 12-2 scoring run to narrow the gap. However, the Webmasters effectively countered this offensive surge, maintaining control of the game until the final buzzer.
Standout Players and Statistical Leaders
The Webmasters' victory was powered by strong individual performances, with Ricofer Sordilla leading the charge by contributing 15 points. He received valuable support from Charles Libatog, who added 12 points, and Carlo Salgarino, who chipped in with 11 points to the winning effort.
For the Fighting Maroons, Kent Joshua Cabanlit shouldered the scoring load with 15 points, while Joaquin Zaldiver provided 13 points and AJ delos Reyes contributed 10 points in the losing cause.
High School Division Action and Upcoming Games
In the high school division opener, the University of Southern Philippines-Foundation (USPF) Baby Panthers emerged victorious over the Benedicto College (BC) Baby Cheetahs with a 71-65 scoreline.
Basketball action continues this Thursday, November 20, with the Cebu Eastern College (CEC) Dragons facing off against the UC baby Webmasters in the high school division opener, followed by a college division clash between the University of San Jose Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars and the Cebu Institute of Technology University (CITU) Wildcats.
