In a dramatic turn of events that sent shockwaves through the Cesafi basketball community, the Cebu Institute of Technology-University Junior Wildcats scored a stunning 61-56 victory over the heavily favored defending champions Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles.
Upset Victory Shakes Up Tournament Standings
The thrilling matchup took place at the Cebu Coliseum on Friday, November 21, 2025, during the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. boys' basketball tournament. This surprising outcome has dramatically complicated the team standings, making it increasingly difficult to predict which teams will advance to the coveted Final Four round.
As of press time, the Junior Wildcats now share the number two position with both the Magis Eagles and the University of Cebu Lapulapu/Mandaue, with all three teams holding identical 5-2 records. Meanwhile, the Cebu Eastern College Dragons maintain their top position with a 6-2 slate, though CIT-U had an opportunity to join them at the top depending on their Saturday matchup against Don Bosco Technology College Greywolves.
Game Highlights and Key Performances
The game began with the Magis Eagles demonstrating why they were the defending champions, exploding with a 14-3 run in the early minutes. However, the Junior Wildcats refused to back down, answering with a 13-6 rally of their own to narrow the gap to 16-20 by the end of the first period.
What followed was a classic basketball battle that featured eight deadlocks and seven lead changes as both teams fought for control. The momentum shifted decisively in CIT-U's favor when Geoffe Partosa, Francis Kyle Gigantana, and Wenceslao Dabalos combined forces for an 11-1 run that put the Junior Wildcats ahead 27-21 midway through the second quarter.
While coach Axel Rabaya emphasized the collective team effort behind their victory, Geoffe Partosa emerged as the standout performer. The talented player was the only Junior Wildcat to score in double figures, finishing with an impressive 19 points and six rebounds while committing zero turnovers during his 20 minutes on the court. His exceptional performance earned him the Best Player of the Game honor.
Coach's Strategy and Team Contributions
Coach Rabaya, now in his second year as CIT-U head coach, revealed the defensive focus that propelled his team to victory. "It was really a team effort. Everyone delivered, especially on defense," Rabaya explained. "We focused on working hard defensively because we knew Ateneo had size, experience, and were very well-coached. So we made up for it with defense, particularly in the last two minutes."
The victory was truly a team accomplishment with significant contributions from multiple players. Francis Kyle Gigantana and Theo Maxin Santiago each added eight points to the scoreboard, while Jero Deniel Rosellosa and team captain Keiff Russel Suarez contributed seven points apiece.
Despite the loss, the Magis Eagles saw strong individual performances, particularly from Jibson Gaviola who nearly achieved a double-double with 12 points and nine rebounds. Teammates Lian Kent Basa and Henry Kristoffer Suico added 11 and 10 points respectively.
Under the Cesafi tournament format, the top two teams will earn a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four, adding significant importance to every remaining game in the regular season.
College Division Update
In related Cesafi action, the University of Cebu Webmasters strengthened their position in the college division by narrowly defeating the University of Southern Philippines Foundation Panthers 59-56. This victory improves the Webmasters' record to 9-1, while the Panthers drop to 8-2 following the hard-fought contest.
