By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons ruled the 3rd Mayor Joedith Gallego & Silay Sports Invitational basketball tournament after defeating the University of St. La Salle Bacolod, 85-75, at the Natalio G. Velez Sports & Cultural Center in Negros Occidental’s Silay City.

The victory marked a milestone for the Cebu City-based young basketball program, which was established in 2023, as it secured its first title on a regional stage.

Head coach Rommel Rasmo credited the players’ discipline and teamwork for the win, while supporters from alumni, families and partners were acknowledged for backing the squad throughout the tournament.

The event, hosted in Silay, drew collegiate teams from across the Visayas, showcasing emerging basketball programs and regional talent.

Other participating teams are Sacred Heart School – Ateneo de Cebu, LCC Bacolod, CSA-Bacolod, Falcons, and One Silay Sports./ASC, WDJ