The University of the Visayas Green Lancers will defend their position in the Top 2 of the college division when they face the University of San Jose-Recoletos Jaguars in a crucial Cesafi basketball tournament match this Friday evening, November 28, 2025, at the Cebu Coliseum.
High Stakes College Division Battle
The main game at 6:45 pm features a critical showdown between the defending champions UV Green Lancers and the determined USJ-R Jaguars. The Green Lancers currently hold a 9-2 record and have secured a spot in the Top 2, but their position remains vulnerable with three games remaining in the double-round elimination phase.
A Top 2 finish carries significant importance as it provides the valuable twice-to-beat advantage in the approaching semi-final round. However, the Green Lancers could still lose their coveted position if they suffer defeats in two of their remaining three matches.
Jaguars Fighting for Semi-Finals Berth
Meanwhile, the Jaguars find themselves in fourth place with a 6-4 record, making their path to the Top 2 challenging but not impossible. More immediately, they have strong prospects of securing a semi-finals slot, especially if they emerge victorious in this crucial encounter.
While defeating the Green Lancers presents a formidable challenge, history shows the Jaguars have the capability to compete at the highest level. In their first meeting on September 30, the Jaguars put up a strong fight before ultimately falling to the Green Lancers with a close 62-66 scoreline.
High School Division Action
The evening begins with high school division action at 5:15 pm, featuring defending champions Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles taking on the UV Baby Green Lancers. This match carries equal importance as both teams are among those contending for semi-finals berths.
The Cesafi tournament continues to deliver exciting basketball action, with recent Wednesday games seeing the University of the Philippines-Cebu Fighting Maroons defeating the USPF Panthers in college division play, while the Cebu Eastern College Dragons overpowered the USPF Baby Panthers 79-69 in high school competition.
Basketball fans across Cebu are anticipating an intense evening of competition as teams battle for positioning in the tournament standings with the semi-finals rapidly approaching.
