CASS Tali Bows Out with 1-2 Record in PALAKASAN Basketball Pre-Games

By Andrea Ross Sedero and John Vincent Balustre

The College of Arts and Social Sciences’ (CASS) Tali put up a hard-fought run in this year’s PALAKASAN basketball pre-games as both the women’s and men’s teams exited the tournament with a 1-2 record on Friday, March 28.


Tali’s men’s team faced three tough matchups, finishing with scores of 81-95, 100-45, and 70-83, demonstrating resilience in their narrow defeats. Similarly, the women’s team endured a challenging series, with scores of 22-62, 33-22, and 29-31, fighting hard in a close loss that could have extended their tournament run.


CASS played across six days last week—battling CED’s Borealis & Blaze on March 23, CHS’ Nyxara on March 26, and ultimately bowing out in a tight game against CEBA’s Aurelion on March 28 in the double-elimination tournament.


Sunday’s match featured strong showings by CED’s Borealis & Blaze in both the women’s and men’s basketball games against CASS’ Tali.


In the women’s game, Borealis & Blaze took control early, leading 39-2 by the third period. Despite Tali’s efforts to break through, including opportunities for free throws, they continued their dominance, extending the lead to 62-20 by the end of the game for a 62-22 victory. The game was marked by CED’s solid defense and offensive consistency, with minimal fouls committed by both teams.


In the men’s game, Borealis & Blaze kept a steady lead, finishing the first period ahead 36-30. While Tali struggled with missed shots, they capitalized on fast breaks. Despite trailing 56-39 in the second period, CASS mounted a hefty comeback, narrowing the gap to 64-65 by the third period’s end. However, CED regained control in the fourth and finished strong with a 95-83 win.


Following their first loss, Wednesday’s match saw CASS’ Tali hungry for redemption against CHS’ Nyxara with both women’s and men’s teams delivering winning performances.


In the women’s game, Tali started strong, leading 16-8 after the first period. By the second period, their lead had extended to 18-10, though both teams saw fouls piling up, particularly for CASS. The third period saw CASS ramp up their defense and offense, pushing their lead to 26-16. In the final period, they continued their momentum, securing a 33-22 victory against Nyxara. Tali’s Clarice Viajante of CASS was recognized as ‘player of the game’.


In the men’s game, CASS took control early, leading 21-13 after the first period, despite CHS landing the first basket. With multiple three-pointers, the gap only continued to widen for Nyxara. By the third period, the score had ballooned to 62-29 as Tali displayed a commanding performance. CASS finished the game in style, winning 100-45, with a last-second shot bringing them to the 100-point mark. Tali’s Jerry Cuadro was named ‘player of the game’ for this match.


Friday’s match was intense, to say the least, as CASS’ Tali faced CEBA’s Aurelion in both the women’s and men’s games, with both teams battling fiercely until the final buzzer.


In the women’s game, the score remained tight throughout, with Tali and Aurelion exchanging the lead. In a thrilling finish, CASS was only a shot short, falling just behind, losing 29-31 to CEBA. While, in the men’s game, Tali struggled to keep pace as Aurelion extended their lead in the second half. Regardless of CASS’ strong push toward the end, CEBA held on to secure an 83-70 win.


With hard-fought battles and close calls, CASS Tali’s basketball journey in PALAKASAN 2025 came to an end with their third match. Both women’s and men’s teams showed heart and determination as they left it all on the court.