In a game that will be etched into local collegiate sports history, the University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors emerged victorious after an epic triple-overtime battle, defeating the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars, 95-93. This marathon Cesafi men's basketball tournament clash unfolded at the Cebu Coliseum on Sunday, November 30, 2025.
A Historic Feat and Playoff Implications
This monumental victory places the USC Warriors on the cusp of securing the fourth and final seat in the competition's Top Four as the elimination round nears its conclusion. The Warriors now need just one more win to clinch their spot in the next phase.
For the USJ-R Jaguars, the path to the playoffs has become significantly steeper. To keep their hopes alive, they must win both of their remaining games against the University of Cebu Webmasters on Tuesday, December 2, and the Benedicto College Cheetahs on Friday, December 5. Furthermore, they must hope that USC loses to the USPF Panthers on Thursday, December 4.
Should both teams finish with identical records, the Warriors would still advance due to the "team that beats the other" tiebreaker rule, having now defeated the Jaguars twice this season. Their first meeting also went to overtime, with USC winning 74-73.
The Unprecedented Triple-Overtime Drama
The game's defining characteristic was its unprecedented length. This marked the first triple-overtime game in the 25-year history of Cesafi. Veteran deputy commissioner Danny Duran noted that even during the era of the defunct Cebu Amateur Athletic Association (CAAA), he could not recall a match that required three extra periods.
The Jaguars were moments away from a regulation-time win, holding a 67-63 lead with only 57 seconds left in the fourth quarter. However, clutch plays from USC's James Paolo Gica, who sank two free throws, and Jose Marie Tumabang, who scored a tying layup, knotted the game at 67-all with 10 seconds remaining. A missed final attempt by USJ-R's Christian Sullano sent the game into its first overtime.
The tension only escalated from there. The first overtime ended tied at 71-71 after both teams went scoreless in the final minutes. The second overtime provided more heart-stopping action. A three-pointer by USC's Kyle Maglinte gave the Warriors an 83-79 lead with mere seconds left. After Sullano split his free throws, USJ-R's Rodge Aldrich Balbao drilled a dramatic three-pointer with only 0.2 seconds on the clock to force a third overtime at 83-all.
Controversy and a Decisive Finish
The physical intensity of the historic duel spilled over into controversy during the third overtime. USJ-R coach Julius Cadavis and his staff confronted the game officials after player Fritz Gonzales sustained a cut on his left eyebrow following a collision with USC's Maglinte during a rebound play. Cadavis requested a video review of the incident but was denied by the referees.
Cadavis expressed his frustration after the game, stating, "That should really have been reviewed because situations like that must be reviewed — especially when someone gets injured. He [Gonzales] already had the rebound, then Maglinte crashed into him." Due to this incident, the Jaguars are reportedly contemplating filing an official protest.
Despite the controversy, the Warriors maintained their composure in the decisive third overtime. They sustained their momentum and held firm against the Jaguars' challenge. Jhoenel Vince Tangkay ultimately sealed the historic victory for USC with a crucial jumper in the final 29 seconds, bringing the score to its final 95-93 margin.
This unforgettable contest, witnessed by a thin but undoubtedly electrified crowd at the Cebu Coliseum, not only provided a classic sporting spectacle but also dramatically reshaped the playoff landscape of the Cesafi men's basketball tournament.
