THE Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) Wildkittens clinched the 2025 Emil’s Fresh Chicken Fiesta Cup championship after defeating the University of the Visayas (UV) Baby Lancers, 83-78, in their knockout final match at the Lipata-Linao Sports Complex in Minglanilla, Cebu, on Thursday, July 31.
Before a jampacked crowd of supporters, coach Axel Rabaya’s Wildkittens displayed offensive intensity to eliminate the team that defeated them earlier in the elimination round.
The deadly duo of Kieff Suarez and Randel Jay Mendaros was instrumental in the win, each scoring 20 points. Suarez, who was named Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP), proved to be the backbone of CIT-U’s attack.
Geo Partosa added 13 points, while Cyrus Abadies chipped in 12 to reinforce CIT-U’s dominance.
A 24-4 rally broke the 23-23 deadlock, paving the way for the Wildkittens to close the first half with a 47-33 lead.
In the second half, CIT-U continued employing its trapping defense, forcing a string of turnovers from the Baby Lancers and extending their lead to 65-46 and 72-56 after three quarters.
However, the Lancers did not lose hope. After trailing 65-46, the Baby Lancers mounted a 21-14 rally to cut the deficit to 77-67 with 4:57 remaining in the fourth quarter, putting pressure on the Wildkittens.
Spearheading that rally were Jose Ejurango (18 points), Rysin Italia (15), and Rhadz Silawan (13). Season MVP Llyco Ventura was limited to just nine points.
Despite the late-game push, CIT-U held its ground and sealed the win to clinch its first title under coach Rabaya, who started mentoring the team last year.
“We didn’t expect to win this championship because even in our bracket, all the teams were champion-caliber and last year’s Cesafi semifinalists. There was UV, UC Main, and USJ-R. But we’re very thankful that the Lord guided us to win the championship,” said Rabaya in a post-game interview.
He emphasized that while the championship reflects the team’s progress, it doesn’t mean that they’re 100 percent ready for the upcoming Cesafi season.
“We still have a lot to work on in practice to improve our consistency and composure in bigger tournaments,” added the sophomore coach.
In the battle for third place, the University of Southern Philippines-Foundation (USPF) Baby Panthers defeated University of Cebu-Lapulapu/Mandaue Campus (UCLM), 83-75.
Along with Ventura, the Mythical Five includes Noe Lingoste (UCLM), Mitch Goc-ong, Jack Cox (USPF), and Mendaros (CIT-U).
CIT-U received a cash prize of P70,000, while UV took home P35,000. USPF and UCLM received P20,000 and P10,000, respectively.
Each member of the Mythical Five received a medal and P1,000, while the Season MVP and Finals MVP each earned P5,000. / JBM