USPF Baby Panthers Claim Third Place in Cesafi 15-Under Basketball Tournament
The University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Baby Panthers secured a hard-fought third-place finish in the Cesafi 15-under basketball tournament, defeating the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eaglets with a final score of 46-41. The exciting match took place at the historic Cebu Coliseum on Saturday, February 7, 2026, showcasing the rising talent in Cebu's youth basketball scene.
Key Players Lead Baby Panthers to Victory
Under the guidance of coach Alan Cabatingan, the Baby Panthers demonstrated impressive teamwork and skill. John Sasil emerged as the top scorer for the team, delivering a standout performance with 15 points. He was ably supported by Arnold Flores, who contributed 12 points to the team's total, helping secure the narrow victory over their rivals.
Coach Cabatingan Reflects on Team's Progress
Coach Alan Cabatingan expressed satisfaction with the team's improvement, noting a significant leap from their previous season. "Last year, we were only fifth, at least this year we moved up to third. Hopefully by next season we can make it to the finals," Cabatingan stated. This upward trajectory highlights the dedication and hard work of the young athletes and their coaching staff.
Upcoming Challenges for the Baby Panthers
Following their success in the Cesafi tournament, the Baby Panthers are set to embark on a new challenge. The team will travel to Tacloban on Monday to compete in the Regional finals of the National Basketball Training Camp (NBTC). USPF enters this competition as the back-to-back champion in their division, adding pressure and excitement to their upcoming matches.
Other Tournament Highlights
In related Cesafi action, the San Carlos School of Cebu (SCSC) also secured a third-place finish in the 12-under division, defeating Ateneo with a close score of 43-41. Nicolai Cabanero led the Baby Warriors with an impressive 23 points, showcasing his talent before his planned move to Manila. These results underscore the competitive spirit and growing prowess of youth basketball teams across Cebu.
