Miguel Jubilado and Rowee Cabañero delivered standout performances to propel their respective teams into the Final Four of the 2025 Milcu Sports Got Skills U16 Talent Identification Program on Thursday at the Greenhills West Clubhouse in San Juan.
The 6-foot-2 Jubilado exploded for 33 points on an efficient 5-of-8 shooting from beyond the arc, while also recording two blocks, one rebound, and one assist to lead NCR-Muntinlupa Cafe Uno to an 80-67 upset over previously undefeated Pampanga in their quarterfinal showdown.
Muntinlupa, which finished third in Group C with a 1-2 record, had to survive Bacolod in a play-in game earlier in the day to secure its spot in the quarterfinals. Now, the resurgent squad advances to the semifinals to face Leyte-Dream Big Leyte.
Leyte, however, is no easy opponent.
(C) Julius Domondon/Milcu Sports
Earlier in the day, Leyte’s rising star Rowee Cabañero put on a dazzling display, dropping 30 points—including five three-pointers—while adding seven assists, five steals, and five rebounds to guide his team to a hard-fought 57-53 victory over NCR-JHOOP.
The 5-foot-3, 15-year-old guard received crucial support from teammate Christian Onde, who delivered a double-double performance with 20 points, 11 steals, four rebounds, and three assists.
The winner of the Leyte-Muntinlupa semifinal clash will earn a spot in the championship game against either Group C’s top seed, NCR-SGAxLGR, or Group D leader, NCR-Safestep.
NCR-SGAxLGR maintained its perfect record with a commanding 79-51 victory over Cavite in the quarterfinals, showcasing a well-balanced offensive attack. Meanwhile, NCR-Safestep edged out NCR-More Than Just Hoops, 55-49, to arrange their own semifinal duel.
Gab Delos Reyes, the UAAP Junior High School Boys’ MVP, led SGAxLGR’s charge with 15 points, four rebounds, and seven blocks. Brian Orca and Jared Ferreros added 13 and 11 points, respectively, helping their squad extend its winning streak after sweeping the eliminations with a 3-0 record.
On the other hand, NCR-Safestep leaned on another strong outing from Sky Jazul, who tallied 12 points, three rebounds, two assists, and three steals in their quarterfinal win.
Leyte and Muntinlupa will battle for a finals berth at 9:30 a.m., while NCR-SGAxLGR and NCR-Safestep will face off at 10:45 a.m. The championship match is set for 3:45 p.m.
