Players from USPF and USC battle for a rebound during their Cesafi Season 24 matchup. | Photo from Sugbuanong Kodaker
CEBU CITY, Philippines— The University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Baby Panthers dominated the University of San Carlos (USC) Baby Warriors, 84-67, in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (Cesafi) Season 24 High School Basketball Tournament on Tuesday, October 29.
With this victory, the Baby Panthers improved their record to 4-3, placing them in a tie with the Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) Junior Wildcats at the sixth spot in the team standings.
Contrastingly, USC’s struggles continued as they fell to 0-8, effectively eliminating any chances of advancing to the Final Four.
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Champ Davidson Brigoli led the charge for USPF, finishing the game with 19 points, along with two rebounds, two assists, and one steal.
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AJ Kyle Delos Santos also made significant contributions, adding 15 points, six rebounds, and two assists. Team captain Fritz Gonzales scored 14 points, while Luke Brent Dy showcased a strong all-around game with a double-double of 10 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, two steals, and one block in USPF’s balanced offensive attack.
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For USC, Xian Garcia delivered a standout performance, scoring a game-high 30 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Neil Ibarita contributed 13 points, but their efforts fell short against the well-rounded Baby Panthers.
From the outset, USPF took control of the game, establishing an 18-point lead in the first quarter and stretching it to as much as 26 points at 75-49.
Their dominance in the paint was evident, outscoring USC in the paint 32-26. The Baby Panthers’ bench played a pivotal role as well, contributing 32 points compared to USC’s 27, and they excelled in second-chance opportunities, scoring 12 points to USC’s 5.