UV Baby Lancers Stage Thrilling Comeback to Remain Unbeaten in Cesafi 15-Under
The defending champion University of the Visayas (UV) Baby Lancers showcased their resilience and championship pedigree in a nail-biting encounter against the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Baby Panthers. In a game that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer, UV engineered a late rally to secure a hard-fought 48–43 victory at the USC Gym on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
A Battle of Momentum Swings
From the opening tip-off, this Cesafi 15-Under matchup was a closely contested affair, with neither team able to establish a commanding lead. The first half saw both squads trading baskets and defensive stops, resulting in a tense halftime score of 27–26 in favor of USPF. The Baby Panthers' slim advantage reflected the competitive nature of the game, setting the stage for a dramatic second half.
UV emerged from the locker room with renewed energy, outscoring USPF in the third period to take a 36–33 lead. However, the Baby Panthers refused to back down, setting up a thrilling fourth-quarter showdown that would ultimately decide the outcome.
Clutch Performances in the Final Minutes
With the game tied at 42–42 and just 1:35 remaining on the clock, UV's Skerl Miez Basilisco stepped up with a crucial follow-up basket to put his team ahead 44–42. USPF had an opportunity to level the score when Arnold Flores went to the free-throw line, but a missed second attempt left the Baby Panthers trailing by a single point at 44–43 with 57.1 seconds left.
On the ensuing possession, Basilisco, who finished as the game's top scorer with 16 points, delivered another decisive play. He converted an alley-oop basket to extend UV's lead to 46–43 with only 32.9 seconds remaining. USPF attempted to mount a final offensive push, but UV's stifling defense, highlighted by a game-sealing steal, preserved the victory and maintained the Baby Lancers' perfect 5–0 record.
Coach Bucao Emphasizes Strategic Goals
Despite virtually securing a semifinals berth with this win, UV head coach Ronald Bucao emphasized the importance of finishing the elimination round strong. "We are focused on winning our remaining games to secure either the No. 1 or No. 2 seed," Bucao stated. "Earning a twice-to-beat advantage in the playoffs is a key objective for our team as we aim to defend our championship title."
UV has three games left in the elimination round, facing the CEC Baby Dragons, USJ-R Jaguar Cubs, and CIT-U Wildkittens. Each matchup will be critical in determining playoff seeding and momentum heading into the knockout stages.
Other Cesafi 15-Under Results
In other tournament action, the CIT-U Wildkittens matched UV's perfect record, improving to 5–0 with a dominant 76–43 victory over the Benedicto College (BC) Baby Cheetahs. Kobe Bastatas led the way for CIT-U with 13 points, supported by Mark Geraldez's eight points under the guidance of coach Axel Rabaya.
Meanwhile, the CEC Baby Dragons bolstered their playoff hopes with a convincing 59–32 win against the Don Bosco Technical School Greywolves, moving to a 3–1 record. Cedric dela Rosa, nephew of former PBA players Romy and Ruben dela Rosa, starred for coach Mark Tallo's squad with 18 points and dominant play in the paint, while James Sumalpong contributed 15 points to the effort.
As the Cesafi 15-Under tournament progresses, the competition intensifies, with teams jockeying for position in pursuit of basketball glory. UV's latest triumph underscores their status as a formidable contender, but the road to the championship remains challenging with several talented opponents in the mix.
