The Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) Baby Wildcats etched their name in the annals of sports history by capturing the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (Cesafi) Under-15 basketball championship in a dramatic fashion. On Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at the iconic Cebu Coliseum, they dethroned the defending champion University of the Visayas (UV) Baby Green Lancers with a decisive 55-39 victory in Game 3 of the finals series.
A Historic Achievement for a Rookie Team
In a remarkable feat, the Baby Wildcats became the first rookie team in Cesafi history to immediately clinch a championship title upon entry. This unprecedented accomplishment underscores their exceptional talent and resilience throughout the season, setting a new benchmark for future contenders in the league.
MVP Paul Desquitado Leads the Charge
Paul Desquitado, who was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the finals, spearheaded the Baby Wildcats' offensive onslaught with a team-high 16 points. His leadership and scoring prowess were instrumental in guiding his team to victory, especially during critical moments of the game.
From the opening tip-off, the Baby Wildcats displayed unwavering determination, quickly establishing a commanding 36-18 lead. However, the Baby Green Lancers, fueled by the heart of champions, mounted a fierce 10-0 rally to narrow the gap to 36-28, showcasing their fighting spirit and refusing to go down without a battle.
Key Contributions from Supporting Players
Under Desquitado's guidance, the Baby Wildcats reignited their offense and surged ahead, ultimately securing their path to triumph. Mark Tundag provided crucial support with 10 points, while Bernard Alsola added 9 points, highlighting the team's balanced scoring attack and collective effort.
On the opposing side, the Baby Green Lancers were led by Mark Tundag, who contributed 12 points, and Jared Go, who chipped in with 8 points. Despite their valiant efforts, they were unable to overcome the Baby Wildcats' relentless drive and strategic execution in the final game.
A Thrilling Finals Series Recap
The championship series was a rollercoaster of emotions, with the Baby Wildcats dominating Game 1 by a score of 59-45. In response, the Baby Green Lancers delivered a powerful comeback in Game 2, securing a convincing 70-44 win to even the series. Notably, this Game 2 loss marked the only defeat for the Baby Wildcats throughout the entire elimination round, emphasizing their dominant performance leading up to the finals.
The deciding Game 3 proved to be the ultimate test, where the Baby Wildcats' historic run culminated in a well-deserved championship victory, solidifying their legacy in Cesafi basketball lore.
