Cebu dismantles Bacolod, bolsters playoff drive

July 11 ------ The Cebu Greats broke free in the second quarter and proceeded to rout the Bacolod Masskaras, 97-67 and extend their winning run in the SportsPlus MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) 2026 Season at the Strike Gymnasium in Bacoor, Cavite.

Behind after the first quarter, 20-23, Cebu got going after the returning Jun Manzo and Limuel Tampus turned hot in the next 10 minutes with 9 and 8 points, respectively, and shoved the Greats ahead at the break, 46-33. Mark Meneses and Brylle Meca took over in the second half, where the Greats moved beyond, 95-60, following a triple by Tampus with 5 minutes and 11 seconds left.

Cebu cruised to its seventh straight win and a 14-3 record, staying close behind Gensan (14-2), Batangas (13-2) and Quezon Province (10-2) and towing Binan Tatak Gel (13-3) in the South division race for playoff spots.

Meneses carded 18 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists, but Tampus was chosen the SportsPlus best player with 12 points, 13 rebounds and 5 assists. Manzo, playing after a long absence from the Greats, contributed 13 points and 2 rebounds, while Ron Dennison chipped in 10 points. The 6-foot-1 Tampus, dubbed Boomboom for his explosiveness and slam dunks, said he found it easy to adjust to the Greats' plays as his teammates have been guiding and supporting him.

Bacolod, which tumbled to 3-16, got 18 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals from Fil-AM Desmond Price, 14 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists from Rafael Go, 12 points from Marjun Wahing, and 10 points, 6 rebounds and 2 blocks from Ram Mesqueriola. The tournament goes to the Gov. Andres B. Bernos Memorial Gymnasium in Bangued, Abra, on Saturday, featuring games between Quezon City and Quezon Province at 3 p.m., and Abra Solid North against Rizal XentroMall at 6 p.m. There will be an awarding of the championship rings to the Abra Weavers for ruling the 2025 MPBL Season at 5 p.m.

Source: mb.com.ph