THE Benedicto College Cheetahs eked out a 76-74 win over the University of San Jose Recoletos Jaguars in the Collegiate Division of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Incorporated (Cesafi) 25th Season at the New Cebu Coliseum on Sept. 14, 2025.
The Cheetahs were trailing most of the game until the waning seconds, 74-73.
Serge Gabines almost single handedly carried Benedicto College to complete the win. He completed a three-point play via a putback and a bonus charity with barely a second left while finishing the game without missing a field goal.
Gabines’ all around performance of 14 rebounds, three blocks and two steals earned him the Player of the Game honors.
Jhon Loufred Diamante top scored for the Cheetahs with 16 points, while Fritz Gonzales dropped 16 markers for the opposing team.
The Jaguars were all business leading as high as 14 and were ahead, 72-71 in the final two minutes. USJR however, lost composure while Benedicto College came through with a gritty 5-3 offensive and a stellar defensive stance for the victory.
In the opening match, the University of San Carlos Warriors stomped a master class victory of the University of the Philippines Cebu Fighting Maroons, 69-55.
The Paul Joven-mentored squad was never threatened in the entire game and posted the biggest gap of 22 points.
Jhoernel Vince Tangkay led USC with 18 markers to win the Player of the Game honors, while Kyle Maglinte added 17 points.
AJ Delos Reyes 20 point production led the Fighting Maroons’ cause.
Meanwhile in the Secondary Division, the USJR Baby Jaguars and Don Bosco Technical College Greywolves thrashed their respective opponents.
DBTC defeated San Carlos School of Cebu, 67-62, while USJR defeated Cebu Eastern Collge Dragons, 70-62. (King Cortel, contributor)
COLLEGIATE DIVISION
GAME 1
(USC 69) – Tangkay 18, Maglinte 17, Gica 13, Akut 8, Aureo 5, Sorila 4, Negado 2, Bakunawa 2, Calafoto 0, Enriquez 0, Avila 0, Tumabang 0, Buzon 0, Tawacal 0, Navarro 0 (UPC 55) – Delos Reyes 20, Padilla 11, Sainz 7, Gilbuena 4, Manaloto 4, Arradaza 4, Ayuban 2, Cabanlit 2, Zaldivar 1, Valenzuela 0, Ocampo 0, Moncal 0, Sarol 0, Castro 0
GAME 2 (BC 76) – Diamante 16, Gabines 14, Babalcon 12, Orgong 9, Cabanero 7, Dela Cruz 6, Jawerga 6, Tolipas 5, Sabroso 1, Tonacao 0 (USJR 74) – Gonzales 16, Sollano 12, Saraum 11,Balbao 11, Lacaya 8, Rueda 6, Oringo 2, Melicor 2, Romanos 2, Grava 2, Brigoli 2, Obra 0,Petillos 0, Noynay 0, Realiza 0