USC Baby Warriors achieve golden double

CEBU, Philippines — The University of San Carlos (USC) Baby Warriors pulled off a vengeful 64-53 win over the Minglanilla Central Elementary School (MCES) in their grudge final match to come out as 12 Under champions in the all-Cebu battle of Don Bosco Friendship Games 2025 last Monday, June 9, at the Don Bosco Technical College (DBTC)-Cebu Gym in Barangay Punta Princesa, Cebu City.

USC’s latest title came two weeks after they dominated the Invitational leg of the tournament that featured teams from Ormoc City and Cagayan de Oro.

It was a sweet redemption of sort for the Baby Warriors, who suffered their only loss in the elimination round at the hands of MCES.

Nicolai Anlon Cabañero, brother of Batang Gilas member Nickson and University of Santo Tomas (UST) “King Tiger” Nic Cabañero, delivered an explosive 30-point show laced with four rebounds and three assists to become the Finals MVP. He also earned a spot in the Mythical Five together with his teammate Franz Tongco.

The other members of the USC double champions under the guidance of head coach Dominic Cabañero and assistant coach Dominic Jimenez are William Igay, Pairaqlus Pareja, Lord Antona, Clarence Hernandez, Aaron Ferraren, Sean Amores, Krisstoff Bernabe, Daniel Canedo, Colin Malicay, Ghabriel Gungob, and Alexys Ocaña.