The race for supremacy in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) 12-Under basketball tournament intensified as the top contenders continued their unbeaten runs. Defending champion University of the Visayas (UV) Baby Lancers and the league's newcomer, Cebu Institute of Technology–University (CIT-U) Baby Wildcats, both secured their fourth consecutive victories in matches held on Thursday, January 15, 2026.
Dominant Performances Keep Teams At The Top
The action unfolded at the University of San Carlos (USC) gym on Sanciangko Street in Cebu City. The UV Baby Lancers demonstrated their championship pedigree by overpowering the Benedicto College (BC) Baby Cheetahs with a final score of 76–61. In another match, the CIT-U Baby Wildcats made a massive statement, cruising to a lopsided 86–30 triumph over the Don Bosco Technical College Greywolves.
These decisive wins solidified the positions of both UV and CIT-U at the summit of the team standings. They are now tied with identical 4–0 win-loss records, setting the stage for a thrilling second round of the tournament.
Other Teams Jockey For Position
Meanwhile, the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Baby Panthers kept their own flawless record intact. They improved to 3–0 after defeating the San Carlos School of Cebu (SCSC) Baby Warriors, 68–57. The Baby Panthers were spearheaded by Keandre Pinton, who contributed 13 points to the winning effort.
Despite the loss, SCSC's Larry Henry delivered a standout performance, pouring in 19 points for the still winless Baby Warriors. In another game, Sacred Heart School–Ateneo de Cebu finally broke into the win column. They notched their first victory of the tournament by beating the University of San Jose–Recoletos (USJR) Baby Jaguars, 68–55.
Upcoming Crucial Matches
The tournament action resumes on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, again at the USC gym, with games starting at 5 p.m. The schedule promises high-stakes matchups:
- The opening game will feature Cebu Eastern College (CEC) against Don Bosco Technical College (DBTC).
- This will be followed by a highly anticipated showdown between unbeaten teams UV and USPF.
- CIT-U will look to extend its streak against Benedicto College.
- USJ-R will clash with SCSC as both teams seek to improve their standings.
The Cesafi 12-Under tournament continues to showcase the budding basketball talent in Cebu, with the unbeaten streaks of UV, CIT-U, and USPF creating an exciting narrative for local sports fans.
