THE University of San Jose–Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars beat the Cebu Institute of Technology–University (CIT-U) Wildcats, 63-47, in a physically marred match in the ongoing Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (Cesafi) men's basketball tournament on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, at the newly renovated Cebu Coliseum.
The victory temporarily gave the Jaguars the fourth seat in the Final Four with a 5-4 slate, trailing the University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers and Benedicto College (BC) Cheetahs, who both sport a 7-2 card.
The University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters continue to pace the eight-team tournament with an 8-1 card.
Closely behind the Jaguars are the University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors, who are toting a 4-5 slate. CIT-U is far behind with a 2-6 card.
The Wildcats showed enough toughness in the first half and demonstrated proper grit, but were never the same again in the next two quarters when the Jaguars took control on both ends of the floor and posted their biggest lead of 20 points, 61-41, with 4:34 left in the fourth quarter.
At one point, despite the huge margin, the game was halted for a while in the last 4:46 when a slight commotion involving some players from both teams occurred.
Both sides also complained about the decisions of the referees and the technical committee, which caused further delays.
When action resumed, the Jaguars maintained their momentum, with Samuel Melicor Jr., El John Lacaya, and Chan Benedict Brigoli sealing the win.
Brigoli finished with 12 points, two rebounds, two assists, and four steals to earn Best Player of the Game honors. Lacaya topscored with 14 points, while Fritz Gonzales piled up 12.
For CIT-U, Jerian Marc Abello scored 11 points, while Joey Villamor added 10.
In the high school division, the University of Cebu (UC) Baby Webmasters snapped the Cebu Eastern College (CEC) Dragons’ winning streak with a 66-58 win.
The Baby Webmasters, coached by Regie Licanda, improved to 3-3. For them to make it to the Final Four, they must win their four remaining games.
Despite the loss, CEC remained on top of the standings with a 6-2 card and is most likely assured of a seat in the next round.
John Perdon Suico had a double-double performance of 16 points and 11 rebounds for UC. (JBM)