13/12/2025
๐ฆ๐ฃ๐ข๐ฅ๐ง๐ฆ | ๐พ๐๐พ ๐๐ง๐ค๐ซ๐๐จ ๐๐๐๐๐ง ๐๐๐จ๐ ๐ฟ๐๐จ๐ฅ๐๐ฉ๐ ๐๐ซ๐๐ง๐ฉ๐๐ข๐ ๐๐ค๐จ๐จ ๐๐ค๐ง ๐๐๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ก๐๐๐
The Cebu Eastern College (CEC) Blue Dragons closed their Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) Season 25 high school basketball tournament campaign with a courageous performance, falling in a heart-stopping overtime battle against the Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) Junior Wildcats, 61-64, in the fight for third place on December 10, 2025 at the Cebu Coliseum.
CEC entered the game eager to finish the season on a high note, and their strong start reflected that hunger. The Blue Dragons controlled the pace early, moving the ball well and attacking confidently to take a 22-16 lead after the opening quarter. Their discipline continued into the second period as they maintained a 34-31 advantage heading into halftime.
The Dragons looked sharp in the third quarter, tightening their defense and knocking down timely shots to extend their lead to 50-42. With momentum on their side, CEC appeared poised to take command of the match.
But the fourth quarter turned into an intense, high-pressure showdown. Both teams exchanged defensive highlights in a sequence of blocks, steals, and tightly contested possessions. The atmosphere inside the Cebu Coliseum erupted as the game tightened, and CIT-U managed to rally back to tie the match at 55-55, forcing overtime.
In the extra period, the Blue Dragons fought with grit and determination, but the Wildcats made just enough plays down the stretch to edge out the 64-61 win.
Despite the heartbreaking finish, the Blue Dragons walk away with a season marked by significant growth. From missing the Final Four last season to pushing deep into the postseason and nearly securing a podium finish, CEC Dragons demonstrated maturity, resilience, and a renewed competitive spirit.
Correspondent: Kenth Carlo Timan | ZonE-23
Layout Artist: Gwyneth Panonce