The defending champions made a powerful statement to open their title defense. The University of the Visayas (UV) Baby Lancers routed the University of San Carlos (USC) Baby Warriors, 69–39, in the opening game of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (Cesafi) 15-Under basketball tournament.
Dominant Start for the Champions
The match took place on Tuesday, January 6, 2025, at the University of San Carlos gym on Sanciangko Street in Cebu City. Under the guidance of coach Ronald Bucao, the Baby Lancers started by building a solid foundation in the early part of the first quarter. Their offense gradually heated up, allowing them to completely take control of the encounter as the game progressed.
Other Opening Day Results
The action continued with several other matches showcasing young Cebuano talent. In another exciting game, last year's runners-up, the Cebu Eastern College (CEC) Dragons, survived a scare before ultimately subduing the University of San Jose–Recoletos (USJR) Jaguar Cubs, 54–48.
The day also saw two other decisive victories. The University of Southern Philippines (USPF) Baby Panthers overpowered the Don Bosco Technical College (DBTC) Greywolves, 68–27. Meanwhile, the Cebu Institute of Technology–University (CIT-U) Baby Wildcats managed to fend off the Sacred Heart School–Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles, 55–42.
A Tournament Long Awaited
This year's Cesafi 15-Under tournament carries special significance. The competition was originally scheduled for the previous year but had to be postponed. The delay was due to the series of calamities that impacted the province of Cebu, underscoring the resilience of the local sports community in finally getting the games underway.
