UV Green Lancers Unleash Dominant Performance in Cesafi Comeback
The University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers made a spectacular return to the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (Cesafi) men's basketball tournament, delivering a commanding 96-61 victory against the University of Southern Philippines (USPF) Panthers. This decisive win occurred on Monday, November 17, 2025, at the historic Cebu Coliseum, marking a powerful bounce-back for the defending champions after a previous loss.
Lancers Start Strong, Never Look Back
UV came out with explosive energy, immediately putting the Panthers on the defensive. They established a dominant lead early, finishing the first quarter with a 33-17 advantage. By halftime, the Green Lancers had extended their lead to a formidable 60-35. Despite various strategic changes and player combinations attempted by USPF coach Alelu Flores, the Panthers could not close the gap. The Lancers maintained their aggressive pace, eventually building a lead as large as 37 points to seal their seventh win in nine outings this season.
Key Players and Standout Performances
Leading the charge for the Green Lancers was former Finals Most Valuable Player Kent Ivo Salarda, who turned in an impressive all-around performance. Salarda scored 17 points, grabbed 8 rebounds, dished out 5 assists, and recorded 1 block. He was highly efficient from the field, making six of his ten attempts and sinking four three-pointers. He was not alone in his efforts.Christopher Isabelo contributed 13 points, including three shots from beyond the arc. PJ Taliman and Christian Jay Alilin each added 10 points to the scoreboard, showcasing the team's balanced offensive attack. For the struggling USPF Panthers, Redjhee Recimiento led with 15 points, followed by Janjan Peteros with 14 points and Keaton Clyde Taburnal with 11 points. The loss dropped the Panthers' record to 2-7.
High School Division: CIT-U Junior Wildcats Triumph
In the high school division, the Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) Junior Wildcats secured a convincing 81-51 win against the Don Bosco Technical College (DBTC) Greywolves. Under coach Axel Rabaya, the Junior Wildcats controlled the game from start to finish, allowing the Greywolves little opportunity to recover. The victory was a true team effort; aside from Drovic Von Panulaya and Gabriel James Pablo, every Junior Wildcat player scored. Jero Daniel Rosellosa led the team with 14 points and 5 rebounds, while Kim Alburo and Theo Maxin Santiago scored 11 and 10 points, respectively. This win improved CIT-U's standing to 4-2, moving them into fourth place. For DBTC, James Kennedy Plano delivered a double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds, and Daniel Cerilles Jr. added 11 points. The Junior Wildcats now face a major challenge as they prepare to meet the defending champions, the Sacred Heart School–Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles, on Friday, November 21.
