THE Kuya Eric basketball team captured the 2026 Cebu City Charter Cup title after beating RKF-Iloilo, 87-84, on Tuesday, Feb. 24, at the City Sports Institute Gym.
Steve Nash Enriquez played a huge role in the victory. Even though he arrived late and entered the game with only three minutes left in the second quarter, he still scored 20 points, including four three-pointers, and added five assists. His strong performance helped Kuya Eric win the five-day tournament, which was part of Cebu City’s Charter Day celebration.
Head coach Edsel Vallena said Enriquez made a big difference.
“When Enriquez is on the court, we have better outside shooting and ball movement. Many players stepped up, not just on offense but also on defense,” Vallena said. He added that some players who did not get much playing time earlier in the tournament performed well in the finals.
Enriquez reportedly flew to Manila the day before for an important commitment and returned just in time for the championship game.
Jancork Cabahug also had a strong showing with 14 points and four rebounds. Because of his steady performance throughout the tournament, he was named Most Valuable Player (MVP).
Kuya Eric started the game strong and built a big 32-16 lead in the first half. However, RKF fought back with a strong run to cut the lead to 40-38 at halftime.
The second half was very exciting, with the lead changing 10 times.
RKF last took the lead at 74-73 after Miles Cana made two free throws. But Enriquez answered with a three-pointer to put Kuya Eric back on top, 76-74.
In the final seconds, Enriquez calmly made two free throws to secure the win. RKF had one last chance to tie the game, but Emman Calo’s final shot missed as the buzzer sounded.
Ced Ablaza led RKF with 22 points and seven rebounds. Calo added 15 points, while Billy Robles scored 11.
Earlier in the night, Tiger Ship Builders defeated Mighty Warriors-Sherilin, 86-75, to finish in third place.
Even though his team lost, RKF team owner Ryan Keith Fio said he was still proud.
“It’s okay to be runner-up. At least we gave a good fight. The crowd enjoyed the game,” he said.
This was the second time RKF finished as runner-up in a Cebu City semi-commercial tournament. Last year, after winning the 2025 Sinulog Cup, they also placed second in the Mayor’s Cup Invitational. / JBM