THE San Sebastian College-Recoletos Staglets, Cesafi champions Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles and University of the Visayas (UV) Baby Lancers secured their spots in the semifinals of the ongoing 6th San Remigio Properties basketball tournament on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at the Magis Arena in Mandaue City.
The Staglets, under the guidance of Cebuano coach Chelito Caro, easily defeated the Yi-Lan Team from Taiwan, 73-46, to claim their second straight win.
From a 22-13 lead in the first quarter, San Sebastian stretched the margin to as much as 15 points, 56-41, by the end of the third period and never looked back.
Mark Esperanza led the Staglets with 11 points and five rebounds. Carlo Jhon Ynot added nine points. Li Wei-Chen paced the Taiwan-based squad with 12 points.
Meanwhile, the Magis Eagles engaged St. Robert’s Iloilo in a tough battle before escaping with a 51-48 win.
St. Robert’s opened strong with an 11-5 advantage, but the Magis Eagles quickly responded to take a 24-21 lead at the turn.
The stiff game saw several ties and lead changes before the Magis Eagles of coach Rommel Rasmo dug deep in the closing minutes to seal the victory.
Lian Kent Basa stood out with with 12 points and seven rebounds, the only Magis Eagle in double-digit figures.
St. Robert’s Iloilo was led by Leonil Ace Maestral with 14 points and Reo John Doronilla with 12.
The Baby Lancers, in the other matchup, dominated SHS-Ateneo de Cebu Team 2, 94-54, to punch their semifinal ticket.
The quartet of Marymitch Goc-ong, Rhadz Simon, John Jevb Sardina and Liyco Ventura proved to be the main weapon for the Baby Lancers in securing their second win.
In another game, The University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Baby Panthers kept their flickering hopes alive by thrashing Yilan Team-2, 71-46.
The Taiwanese team kept the game close in the first two quarters, but the Panthers slowly pulled away in the third period and built a 31-point 69-38 lead. USPF improved to 1-1, while Yilan Team 2 fell to 0-2. / JBM