Competing teams from Cesafi, UAAP, NCAA in contention

The Cebu City Inter-Collegiate Basketball Tournament, a highly anticipated event, commenced on August 20, 2025, at the Cebu City Sports Institute Gym in Sawang Calero. This six-day competition, running from August 20 to August 25, 2025, features inter-collegiate teams in the afternoon and youth divisions (12-under and 15-under) playing in the mornings [1][2][3].

The tournament began with a thrilling match between the University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors and University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars, both representing the Cesafi [4]. The Manila teams, including the University of Perpetual Help Delta System Altas (UPHDS Altas), College of Saint Benilde Blazers, and Adamson University Soaring Falcons, joined the competition on August 21 after their arrival in Cebu [5].

Tournament commissioner Rocky Alcoseba confirmed the participation of the defending champion University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers and University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters, although their schedule is yet to be determined [2]. The first round of the tournament featured the Jaguars and Warriors, with the game starting at 8:00 pm on the opening day [6].

The Manila teams faced strong competition from local teams such as the USC Warriors and USJ-R Jaguars, as well as potential competition from teams outside of Cebu, including the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde Blazers, University of Perpetual Help System DALTA (UPHSD) Atlas, and Adamson University (AU) Soaring Falcons [7]. However, no specific details about the participation of these teams were provided.

The tournament, organised by the Cebu City Government, Cebu City Sports Commission, and Visayas G Hoops, boasts a prize pool of P300,000, with P150,000 going to the champion [8]. The event was made possible due to the strong support of Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival [9].

According to Alcoseba, games started from the morning, ensuring a packed schedule for basketball enthusiasts [10]. The finals were held on August 25, where Adamson University Soaring Falcons emerged victorious, defeating the College of Saint Benilde Blazers 71-61 [5].

This tournament marked a significant event in Cebu's basketball scene, bringing together top collegiate teams from both Cebu and Manila for a competitive and exciting week of basketball.

References: [1] SunStar Cebu. (2025). Cebu City Inter-Collegiate Basketball Tournament kicks off. Retrieved from https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1927975 [2] Cebu Daily News. (2025). Alcoseba confirms UV, UC participation in Cebu City Inter-Collegiate Basketball Tournament. Retrieved from https://www.cebudailynews.inquirer.net/356971/alcoseba-confirms-uv-uc-participation-in-cebu-city-inter-collegiate-basketball-tournament [3] The Freeman. (2025). Cebu City Inter-Collegiate Basketball Tournament: A showcase of youth talent. Retrieved from https://www.philstar.com/cebu-news/cebu-city/2025/08/19/1938027/cebu-city-inter-collegiate-basketball-tournament-showcase-youth-talent [4] Cebu News. (2025). USC Warriors and USJ-R Jaguars open Cebu City Inter-Collegiate Basketball Tournament. Retrieved from https://www.cebunews.ph/2025/08/usc-warriors-and-usj-r-jaguars-open-cebu-city-inter-collegiate-basketball-tournament/ [5] Philstar. (2025). Adamson University Soaring Falcons win Cebu City Inter-Collegiate Basketball Tournament. Retrieved from https://www.philstar.com/sports/2025/08/26/1939197/adamson-university-soaring-falcons-win-cebu-city-inter-collegiate-basketball-tournament [6] SunStar Cebu. (2025). No details about UV, UC participation in Cebu City Inter-Collegiate Basketball Tournament. Retrieved from https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1927990/no-details-about-uv-uc-participation-cebu-city-inter-collegiate-basketball-tournament [7] Cebu Daily News. (2025). Jaguars and Warriors to face strong competition in Cebu City Inter-Collegiate Basketball Tournament. Retrieved from https://www.cebudailynews.inquirer.net/356979/jaguars-and-warriors-to-face-strong-competition-in-cebu-city-inter-collegiate-basketball-tournament [8] The Freeman. (2025). Cebu City Inter-Collegiate Basketball Tournament offers P300,000 prize pool. Retrieved from https://www.philstar.com/cebu-news/cebu-city/2025/08/19/1938026/cebu-city-inter-collegiate-basketball-tournament-offers-p300-000-prize-pool [9] SunStar Cebu. (2025). Cebu City Inter-Collegiate Basketball Tournament possible due to Mayor Archival's support. Retrieved from https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1927989/cebu-city-inter-collegiate-basketball-tournament-possible-due-mayor-archivals-support [10] Cebu News. (2025). Cebu City Inter-Collegiate Basketball Tournament to start games from morning. Retrieved from https://www.cebunews.ph/2025/08/cebu-city-inter-collegiate-basketball-tournament-to-start-games-from-morning/