CIT-U Baby Wildcats Secure Historic Finals Berth in CESAFI 15-U Thriller
In a dramatic and hard-fought battle, the CIT-U Baby Wildcats have become the first team to advance to the championship round of the CESAFI 15-U tournament. They narrowly defeated the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eaglets with a final score of 50-48 in a semifinal match held today, February 1, 2026, at the UV Gym in Cebu City.
A Defensive Grind with Cardiac Finish
The game was a classic defensive struggle from the opening tip-off, characterized by a relentless "tug-of-war" as both teams exchanged leads and traded blows. The intense back-and-forth action kept the Sanciangco crowd on the edge of their seats throughout the contest, culminating in a heart-stopping finish that went down to the final buzzer.
Key Performers Shine in High-Stakes Clash
For the victorious Baby Wildcats, Jay Clarence Obeso stepped up with a team-high 10 points, leading the charge in critical moments. Mark Ivan Heraldez provided a crucial spark off the bench, contributing 9 points to help secure the win.
On the opposing side, the Magis Eaglets saw an outstanding individual effort from Sean Rafael Conopio, who put on a scoring clinic with a game-high 18 points. Despite his gallant performance, it was not enough to overcome the Wildcats' gritty defense and clutch plays.
Awaiting the Championship Opponent
With this significant victory, the CIT-U Baby Wildcats now await the winner of the other semifinal bracket to determine their opponent for the ultimate CESAFI 15-U crown. As of this report, the defending champions, the University of the Visayas (UV) Baby Lancers, are still battling the University of Southern Philippines Foundation Baby Panthers for the second Finals berth, setting the stage for an exciting championship showdown.
This win marks a pivotal moment for the Baby Wildcats, showcasing their resilience and teamwork under pressure in one of Cebu's premier youth basketball tournaments.
