CEBU Eastern College (CEC) pulled off a big upset after beating defending champion University of the Visayas (UV), 42–39, in the Cesafi 15-Under basketball tournament on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, at the Cebu Coliseum.
CEC’s Reynard Sususco became the hero of the game. He completed a three-point play with only 6.9 seconds left, breaking a 39–39 tie and giving the Dragons the winning points.
The victory improved CEC’s record to 5 wins and 2 losses. The Dragons are still in the race for the semifinals, but they must beat the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Baby Panthers on Saturday to move on.
Some teams have already secured spots in the semifinals. These include the unbeaten Cebu Institute of Technology–University (CIT-U) Baby Wildcats with a perfect 7–0 record, as well as UV and USPF, who both stand at 5–2.
Sacred Heart School–Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eaglets are currently in fifth place with a 4–3 record after defeating the Benedicto College Baby Cheetahs, 58–48.
However, Ateneo de Cebu’s chances of reaching the semifinals will depend on the result of the USPF-CEC game. If CEC loses, the Magis Eaglets could still advance based on the team-that-beats-the-other rule.
CEC’s win was sealed when UV’s Kean Gonzales missed a possible game-winning three-point shot in the final seconds. Michael Maguiso grabbed the rebound and quickly passed the ball to Sususco, who scored on a fast break to finish the game.
Maguiso and Nino Roman led CEC with 10 points each. Gonzales scored 14 points for UV, including four three-point shots. / JBM