Cebu Youth Basketball Finals Commence After Weather-Related Delay
The much-anticipated Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) 15-Under and 12-Under basketball finals are finally set to begin this Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the historic Cebu Coliseum. This exciting event was originally postponed due to the disruptive impact of Tropical Storm Basyang, which swept through the region, causing scheduling adjustments and training interruptions for the young athletes.
Both championship series will follow a competitive best-of-three format, meaning that the teams must secure two victories to claim the coveted CESAFI title. This structure ensures an intense and thrilling showdown, with multiple opportunities for dramatic comebacks and strategic adjustments throughout the weekend.
Detailed Game Schedule for February 7, 2026
The action-packed day at the Cebu Coliseum will feature four consecutive games, starting with the third-place matchups and culminating in the first games of both championship series. Here is the complete schedule:
- 1:00 PM – Sacred Heart School–Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) Magis Eaglets versus San Carlos School of Cebu (SCSC) Baby Warriors in the 12-Under Third Place Game.
- 2:00 PM – University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Baby Panthers face off against SHS-AdC in the 15-Under Third Place Game.
- 3:00 PM – Cebu Eastern College (CEC) Baby Dragons take on Cebu Institute of Technology–University (CIT-U) Wildkittens in Game 1 of the 12-Under Championship Series.
- 4:00 PM – CIT-U Baby Wildcats challenge the defending champion University of the Visayas (UV) Baby Lancers in Game 1 of the 15-Under Championship Series.
Defending Champion UV Confronts Unbeaten Newcomer CIT-U in 15-Under Finals
In the headline 15-Under division matchup, the University of the Visayas (UV) Baby Lancers, led by experienced coach Ronald Bucao, are preparing to defend their championship title against a formidable and undefeated newcomer. The Cebu Institute of Technology–University (CIT-U) Baby Wildcats, under the guidance of coach Floyd Taboada, have made an impressive debut in the league, remaining unbeaten from the elimination round straight through to the semifinals.
This clash is particularly intriguing because CIT-U already demonstrated their capability by defeating UV with a convincing 58-44 score during the elimination round on January 31, 2026, at the Baby Lancers' home court. Coach Bucao acknowledged the significant challenge posed by the Baby Wildcats, noting that "CIT-U is a difficult opponent" and highlighting that they have beaten UV multiple times in other tournaments. He also pointed out that past mistakes and unnecessary fouls have previously hindered UV's performance, areas the team aims to improve for the finals.
Meanwhile, coach Taboada expressed his satisfaction and pride in reaching the finals, especially considering this marks CIT-U's inaugural season in the competitive CESAFI league. His team's flawless record adds an extra layer of excitement and pressure to this championship series.
CIT-U Celebrates Dual Finals Appearances with 12-Under Team
CIT-U is experiencing a remarkable season, celebrating not just one but two finals appearances. Their 12-Under team, the Wildkittens coached by Dennis Pacquiao, has also advanced to the championship series, where they will battle the Cebu Eastern College (CEC) Baby Dragons in another best-of-three showdown.
The Baby Dragons enter this series as heavy favorites, boasting an undefeated streak that dates back to 2023. Despite this daunting record, coach Pacquiao remains confident in his players' abilities and preparation. On the other side, CEC coach Rodmark del Rosario emphasized that his team is "not taking anything for granted" and continued rigorous training sessions despite the challenging weather conditions caused by Tropical Storm Basyang.
Third Place Games Set to Showcase Competitive Spirit
Before the championship battles, the third-place games will highlight the depth of talent in CESAFI youth basketball. In the 12-Under division, the SHS-AdC Magis Eaglets will compete against the SCSC Baby Warriors at 1:00 PM. Following that, the 15-Under third-place game at 2:00 PM features the USPF Baby Panthers versus SHS-AdC, ensuring a full day of high-energy basketball action for fans in Cebu.
These matchups not only determine final standings but also provide valuable experience for the young athletes, fostering sportsmanship and competitive growth within the vibrant Cebu basketball community.
