Heavy Bombers secure finals berth

CEBU, Philippines —The Jose Rizal University (JRU) Heavy Bombers fended off the hard-fighting University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters, 85-81, to stay undefeated in the Cebu City Collegiate Invitational Basketball Tournament 2026 on Saturday, August 8, at the Cebu City Sports Institute in Barangay Sawang Calero.

Sean Salvador bagged 19 points, Jamir Eligado posted a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Christopher Hubilla contributed 13 points, six rebounds and two assists for the Heavy Bombers, who are already assured of a championship ticket with an immaculate 3-0 record.

The Heavy Bombers actually saw their 27-point lead, 43-16, halfway though the second period evaporate as the Webmasters staged a fierce fightback to pull within just four points, 55-59, early in the second half.

JRU quickly restored though a double-digit advantage, including at 80-68 in the final five minutes and then thwarted UC’s repeated rallies at the endgame to escape with a four-point victory.

Ricofer Sordilla finished with 22 points, while Maverick Eligoyo and VJ Baruc connived for 23 points but to no avail as the Webmasters fell to 1-1.

In the other matchup, the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors snapped a two-game jinx with an 82-70 drubbing of reigning Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) four-peat champions University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers, 82-70.

The Red Warriors never looked back after taking an early 25-7 lead, which peaked at 26 points, 60-34, late in the third period.

Mariano Tanedo paced UE with 17 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals while Christopher Lagat chipped in 12 points, three rebounds, one assist and one steal.

Zylle Cabellon was the lone double-digit scorer with 11 points for the Green Lancers, who suffered their first loss in two games.