University of Cebu Webmasters Capture Araw Ng Dabaw Invitational Crown
The University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters basketball team celebrated a hard-fought victory on Sunday night, March 15, 2026, securing the championship of the 89th Araw Ng Dabaw Invitational tournament. In a thrilling title game held at the Davao City Recreation Center, the Cebuano squad defeated San Pedro College (SPC) with a final score of 76-59, marking their first championship win of the year.
Key Performances Lead to Victory
UC guard Ricofer Sordilla emerged as the standout player of the finals, delivering an impressive performance that earned him the Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. Sordilla contributed 19 points, four rebounds, two assists, and one steal, showcasing his all-around skills on the court. Teammate Luther Leonard provided crucial support with 17 points, three rebounds, and one assist, helping to propel the Webmasters to success.
Second-Half Surge Seals the Win
The game was a tale of two halves, with UC trailing at halftime by a narrow margin of 36-34. However, the Webmasters mounted a remarkable comeback in the third quarter, outscoring SPC 20-10 to take a 54-46 lead heading into the final period. This momentum continued into the fourth quarter, where UC built an early 59-47 advantage.
Despite a spirited effort from San Pedro College, including an exciting slam dunk by Carlo Salgarino that cut the deficit to 59-51, UC responded decisively. Leonard and Neon Chavez combined for nine points during a pivotal 16-2 run, extending the Webmasters' lead to 75-53 with just three minutes remaining. This dominant stretch saw many SPC fans begin to exit the arena as UC pulled away.
Team Effort and Final Statistics
Neon Chavez finished the game with nine points, including two three-point shots, adding depth to UC's offensive attack. Overall, the Webmasters dominated the second half, outscoring SPC 42-23 to secure a convincing 17-point victory. On the opposing side, John Rodulfa led San Pedro College with 20 points, while Keith Marquez and Jimz Lulab each added 10 points, but their efforts fell short against UC's relentless performance.
The championship win not only highlights the Webmasters' resilience and teamwork but also sets a positive tone for their season ahead. The victory was celebrated with a championship banner, symbolizing their triumph in this prestigious invitational event.
