The University of Cebu Webmasters extracted sweet revenge against the University of the Philippines-Cebu Fighting Maroons with a decisive 71-62 victory in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. men's basketball tournament on Tuesday, November 18, 2025.
Redemption Game at Cebu Coliseum
Playing before an enthusiastic crowd at the Cebu Coliseum, the league-leading Webmasters ensured there would be no repeat of their shocking September 30 defeat to the same opponents. That earlier 73-69 upset marked UP-Cebu's only victory this season and UC's solitary loss in nine outings.
UC started cautiously but found their rhythm as the game progressed, building momentum through the second quarter and exploding in the third period. The Webmasters closed the third quarter with a commanding 14-point advantage at 54-40, demonstrating their championship credentials.
Dominant Performance Seals Victory
The Webmasters' dominance peaked in the final quarter when they stretched their lead to 19 points - their largest of the game - at 63-44. The crucial basket came from Joseph Arth Nalos, who sank a three-pointer with 6:03 remaining on the clock.
UP-Cebu refused to surrender without a fight, mounting a late-game rally that saw them cut the deficit to 10 points at 65-55. Joaquin Zaldivar's three-pointer with 3:37 left capped a 12-2 run that briefly threatened UC's control.
However, the Fighting Maroons' comeback hopes faded as time expired, allowing UC to secure their eighth victory against just one loss and maintain their solo leadership in the standings.
Key Contributors and Standings Impact
Ricofer Sordilla emerged as the top scorer for UC with 15 points, while Charles Libatog added 12 points. Webmaster Carlo Salgarino contributed significantly with 11 points, including a memorable jumper over a UP defender that highlighted his athletic versatility.
For the struggling Fighting Maroons, Kent Joshua Cabanlit led the scoring with 15 markers, followed by Joaquin Zaldivar with 13 points and AJ delos Reyes with 10 points. The loss dropped UP to a disappointing 1-8 record for the season.
In the high school division, the University of Southern Philippines-Foundation Baby Panthers kept their tournament hopes alive with a hard-fought 71-65 victory over Benedicto College Baby Cheetahs. Champ Davidson Brigoli starred with 16 points for USPF, who improved to 4-3, while Kyle Nalisa poured in 26 points for the losing side.
