The University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers solidified their championship defense with a decisive 91-82 victory over the Cebu Institute of Technology–University (CIT-U) Wildcats in the Cesafi Season 25 men’s basketball tournament. The exciting game unfolded on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at the Cebu Coliseum.
Cabulao Leads the Charge for UV
Transferee big man Karl Hyden Cabulao was the undeniable star of the match, exploding for a game-high 22 points to power the Green Lancers' offense. While he secured only three rebounds, his impact was felt far beyond the stat sheet. The former USJ-R Jaguar proved to be a vital cog in UV's defensive machinery, effectively teaming up with Raul Gentallan, Rovello Robles, and Kent Ivo Salarda.
This supporting cast delivered a balanced scoring attack, with Gentallan contributing 15 points, Robles adding 13, and Salarda finishing with 12, ensuring the Wildcats could not focus their defense solely on Cabulao.
Standings Shakeup and High School Division Drama
The crucial win propelled the UV Green Lancers to the top of the league table with a 9-2 win-loss record, where they now share the lead with the University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters. Conversely, the loss sent the CIT-U Wildcats, coached by Donbel Belano, deeper into the standings with a 2-8 slate.
For the Wildcats, Jerian Marc Abello and James Ronald Tagoon fought valiantly, leading their team with 18 and 16 points, respectively, but their efforts were not enough to overcome the Lancers' firepower.
It was a day of double celebration for the UV community. In the high school division, the UV Baby Lancers survived a late rally from the USJ-R Jaguar Cubs to secure a pulsating 67-59 win. This victory improved the Baby Lancers' record to 4-3, keeping their slim Top Four hopes alive. Their fate now depends on sweeping their three remaining elimination games and hoping for favorable results from other matches.
AJ Ejurango powered the Baby Lancers with an impressive double-double of 20 points and 13 rebounds, while Clint Paglinawan chipped in 17 markers and eight boards. For the Jaguar Cubs, who fell to a 3-5 record and are virtually out of contention, Krstc Ryll Da Silva and John Caresosa led the scoring with 17 and 16 points, respectively.
