CIT-U, UCLM lock horns in Emil’s Fiesta Cup finals

CEBU CITY, Philippines — The defending champions, Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) Junior Wildcats and the University of Cebu Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue (UCLM) Junior Webmasters forged a championship showdown in the ongoing Emil’s Fiesta Cup Pre-Season Invitational after beating their respective semifinal foes on Tuesday, July 28, at the Lipata-Linao Sports Complex.

CIT-U cruised past the University of the Visayas (UV) Baby Lancers, 76-60, in their do-or-die semifinals duel, while UCLM survived a late challenge from their sister team, the University of Cebu-Main Campus (UC Main) to escape with a thrilling 62-59 victory and advance to the finals.

The Junior Wildcats seized control from the opening tip, racing to a 45-30 halftime advantage. UV threatened with a strong third-quarter rally that trimmed the deficit to 57-50, but CIT-U quickly restored order behind the balanced attack of Geoffi Partosa, Ivan Geraldez, Vince Zamora and Theo Santiago to pull away for the convincing win.

Partosa spearheaded the Junior Wildcats with 22 points and seven rebounds to earn Best Player of the Game honors. Zamora added 12 points, while Santiago chipped in 10. Kirbey Borbon paced the Baby Lancers with 15 points and six rebounds, while Lean Russel Bano and Jancy Llyco Ventura finished with 13 and 12 points, respectively.

Thrilling second match

Unlike the first semifinal, the second contest turned into a nail-biter.

UC Main appeared headed for the finals after building a commanding 36-20 lead early in the second quarter behind the dominant inside play of Jade Bialan.

But UCLM, coached by Reggie Licanda, refused to fold. The squad tightened its defense, disrupted UC Main’s offensive rhythm and methodically erased the deficit before knotting the score at 47-all heading into the fourth quarter.

The two teams traded baskets and leads in a tense final period before UCLM held its composure in the closing minutes to complete the comeback and seal the three-point victory.

Ace Justin Rojas led UCLM with 14 points, while Kyle Francis Bayog contributed 10 points, three rebounds and four steals to earn Best Player of the Game honors.

Despite the heartbreaking defeat, Bialan delivered a monster performance with 20 points and 20 rebounds, further showcasing why he is regarded as one of Cebu’s brightest young basketball prospects.

The championship game is set for Thursday, July 30, with the defending champion Junior Wildcats taking on UCLM for the title. Earlier that day, UC Main and the UV Baby Lancers will face off for third-place honors.

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