THE Cebu Institute of Technology–University (CIT-U) Baby Wildcats are heading to the finals after winning their knockout game against the Sacred Heart School–Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eaglets, 40–38, in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (Cesafi) 12-Under semifinals on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, at the Cebu Coliseum.
John Kyle Aripal became the hero for CIT-U after scoring an undergoal shot from a pass by Kendrick Khor with 28.8 seconds left. The basket broke the tie at 38-all and gave the Baby Wildcats the lead for good.
Ateneo quickly called a timeout to plan their final play. When the game resumed, the Magis Eaglets had several chances to tie the game and force overtime, especially after CIT-U made a mistake in the final 15 seconds. However, Ateneo missed its next shots, allowing CIT-U to secure the win.
The game was close from start to finish, with both teams playing strong defense and offense until the final buzzer. After the game, the Baby Wildcats celebrated on the court after earning the hard-fought victory.
Luis Tuguib led CIT-U with 10 points, while Rowie Lagcao added eight points. Aripal finished with six points, including the game-winning basket.
For Ateneo, Carl Calooy scored 13 points, while Luka Go and Kirby Collado added six points each.
CIT-U head coach Dennis Lee Pacquiao said defense and teamwork helped his team win.
“Hard work on defense and the kids’ teamwork really won it for us,” Pacquiao said.
With the victory, CIT-U will face defending back-to-back champion Cebu Eastern College (CEC) in the best-of-three finals, which will start Thursday at the Cebu Coliseum.
Pacquiao said the team is now preparing for CEC’s strong defense.
“Our preparation will focus on breaking their trapping defense. We also need to work harder on defense so we can keep up with them until the fourth quarter. We must have a winning mindset,” Pacquiao said. / JBM