Cesafi: Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles are high school champions anew

The Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu celebrate their victory over UV for their third straight Ceafi juniors crown on Friday, December 15, 2023. CDN Digital photo | Glendale Rosal

CEBU CITY, Philippines—The Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles defeated the University of the Visayas (UV) Baby Lancers, 58-55, in Game 3 to be crowned high school champions of the Cesafi on Friday, December 15, 2023.

Ateneo de Cebu wrapped up the series, 2-1, to win its third straight Cesafi high school crown.

University of the Philippines (UP)-bound Jared Bahay led the Magis Eagles with 14 points while Froiland Maglasang added 11.

Bahay was later named Cesafi high school basketball MVP

READ MORE: Jared Bahay relishes final year at Sacred Heart and Cesafi

UV drew first blood by winning Game 1, 62-54, but Ateneo de Cebu bounced back with an 80-65 rout of the Baby Lancers in Game 2.

The Magis Eagles took off to a hot start, leading, 24-8, after the first period in Game 3.

UV managed to cut the lead to just one, 30-31, at the end of the half.

Things got a bit scary in the third after Jelo Mar Rota of Ateneo de Cebu fell hard after a hard foul by UV’s Benedict Paca.

Rota had to be carried off the court due to the fall but was able to return to the game.

Paca was ejected for the disqualifying foul.

The Baby Lancers were able to lead for the first time in the third but the Magis Eagles managed to recover and hold on to a 40-39 lead going into the final canto.

The fourth quarter saw a see-saw battle with Ateneo making crucial baskets down the stretch to seal the win.

John dela Torre led UV with 15 points while Roderick Cambarijan chipped in 14.

/bmjo

READ MORE:

Jared Bahay steers Ateneo de Cebu to victory in Game 2

UV outplays SHS-AdC, takes game one of Cesafi high school finals