USP-F Baby Panthers Secure Third Place in Cesafi 15-Under Basketball Tournament
The University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USP-F) Baby Panthers clinched the third-place position in the Cesafi 15-under basketball tournament with a hard-fought victory over the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eaglets. The final score stood at 46-41 in a thrilling match held at the Cebu Coliseum on Saturday, February 7, 2026.
Key Performers Lead the Charge
John Sasil emerged as the top scorer for the Baby Panthers, delivering an impressive 15 points to spearhead the team's offensive efforts. Arnold Flores provided crucial support by adding 12 points, contributing significantly to the team's overall performance under the guidance of coach Alan Cabatingan.
Coach Cabatingan Reflects on Team's Progress
Coach Alan Cabatingan expressed satisfaction with the team's improvement, noting a significant leap from their previous season's standing. "Last year, we only finished fifth. At least this time, we have climbed to third place. Hopefully, by next season, we can reach the finals," he stated. The Baby Panthers are set to depart for Tacloban this Monday to participate in the Regional finals of the National Basketball Training Camp (NBTC), aiming to build on their recent success.
San Carlos School of Cebu Also Claims Third Place in 12-Under Division
In a related development earlier in the tournament, the San Carlos School of Cebu secured third place in the 12-under division by defeating Ateneo with a close score of 43-41. Nicolai Cabanero, who is Manila-bound, led the Baby Warriors with a standout performance, scoring 23 points to cap off a strong showing in the competition.
The Cesafi basketball tournament continues to showcase young talent from across the region, with teams like the USP-F Baby Panthers demonstrating growth and determination on the court.
