The rivalry between the Benedicto College Cheetahs and the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars adds another compelling chapter to the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) Season 26 basketball tournament. With both teams fighting for position in the collegiate division, the matchup puts pride, momentum, and the race for the top spots on the line.
However, the latest results have given this rivalry an unexpected twist: USJ-R defeated the previously unbeaten Cheetahs, 62–60, in overtime on September 24, 2026. Reports from SunStar Cebu and The Freeman confirmed the Jaguars’ upset victory, ending Benedicto’s four-game winning streak.
Rewritten news article
The Cheetahs entered the contest as one of the teams to beat in CESAFI Season 26, but the Jaguars had other plans. USJ-R built an early advantage, weathered a late Benedicto comeback, and ultimately secured a dramatic victory in overtime at the Cebu Coliseum.
Jaguars strike first as Cheetahs fight back
The Jaguars came out aggressively, establishing a commanding 22–11 lead after the opening quarter. Their early scoring put pressure on Benedicto, which had won its first four games of the season.
The Cheetahs gradually fought their way back into contention. Under head coach BJ Murillo, Benedicto rallied in the fourth quarter to tie the game at 52–52, forcing overtime and setting up a tense finish.
Even after the Cheetahs gained the upper hand during the extra period, USJ-R refused to surrender. Krstc Da Silva connected on a three-pointer, while John Nonay delivered a three-point play that helped the Jaguars pull away with the 62–60 win.
Cole and Sollano power USJ-R’s upset
Kenneth Calvin Cole led the Jaguars with 16 points, four rebounds, two assists, and one steal, earning Player of the Game recognition according to SunStar Cebu.
Christian Carl Sollano also made a major contribution, recording a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds. Their performances helped USJ-R improve to a 2–3 win-loss record at the time.
For Benedicto, Den Rick Orgong paced the offense with 13 points, while Serge Gabines scored 12 and John Carlo Sabroso added 11. Despite their efforts, the Cheetahs suffered their first defeat after opening the tournament with four consecutive victories.
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What the result means for the CESAFI standings
The defeat dropped Benedicto to 4–1, but the Cheetahs remained among the leading teams in the collegiate division following the September 24 game.
The result also demonstrated that USJ-R could challenge one of the tournament’s strongest early performers. For the Jaguars, the victory offered a boost after a difficult start to their campaign.
The September encounter was more than a close basketball game: it was a reminder that a strong start and a late comeback do not guarantee victory when the opponent can execute under pressure.
Baby Cheetahs also suffer a setback
Benedicto’s difficult night extended to the juniors division, where the Baby Cheetahs lost 70–56 to the Sacred Heart School–Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles.
Gabriel Gonzales led the Magis Eagles with 24 points and 12 rebounds, while Jacob Gabriel Javelosa contributed 12 points. Andre Patiño and Axel Joseph Oropisa scored 17 and 16 points, respectively, for the Baby Cheetahs.
The Magis Eagles secured their third consecutive win, while Benedicto’s junior squad fell to 1–3 at the time.
The bigger picture: the Cheetahs’ response
The Jaguars’ overtime victory changed the narrative surrounding Benedicto’s unbeaten start. Instead of simply extending their winning streak, the Cheetahs were left with a lesson in closing out tight games.
The original matchup was framed around revenge, but the September 24 result established a new storyline: Can Benedicto turn its first defeat into motivation and reassert itself among CESAFI’s top contenders?
That question became even more relevant as the season continued. CESAFI’s official results subsequently recorded Benedicto beating the University of Cebu–Main Webmasters, 67–64, on October 17, showing the Cheetahs remained competitive after the setback.
