The Cebu Classic edged out the Bulacan Kuyas 85–80 in a tightly contested Philippines MPBL showdown on June 23, 2026, delivering a road victory that underscored their growing status as a legitimate contender this season. Playing in front of a fired-up home crowd, the Kuyas pushed the visitors to the limit, but Cebu's composure down the stretch proved decisive.

Match Overview

From the opening tip, both teams traded baskets with high energy on both ends. Bulacan looked to control the tempo through half‑court sets, while Cebu relied on fast‑break opportunities and crisp perimeter shooting. The first half was a back‑and‑forth affair, with neither side able to build a lead larger than six points. The Kuyas took a slim 44–42 advantage into the intermission, but Cebu responded with a dominant third quarter that flipped the script.

Key Moments

• Third‑quarter surge: Cebu opened the second half on a 12–4 run, fueled by two quick three‑pointers and a fast‑break layup, taking a 54–48 lead that forced a Bulacan timeout.
• Fourth‑quarter fightback: The Kuyas clawed back within one point (75–74) with 3:12 remaining after a personal 6–0 run by their import guard.
• Clutch free‑throw shooting: Cebu's backcourt converted 6 of 6 free throws in the final 90 seconds, sealing the 85–80 win despite a desperate Bulacan three‑point attempt that missed with five seconds left.

Tactical Story

Bulacan’s game plan revolved around feeding the ball inside to their athletic big man, who finished with 18 points and 12 rebounds. However, Cebu’s switching defense neutralized that threat in the second half, forcing the Kuyas into contested jump shots. On offense, the Classic spread the floor effectively, using high pick‑and‑rolls to create driving lanes. Their bench depth also proved pivotal, outscoring Bulacan’s reserves 28–14.

Standout Players

• Cebu Classic – Guard Mark Villanueva: Scored a game‑high 23 points (8/15 FG, 3/6 3PT) and added 5 assists. His leadership in the fourth quarter was instrumental.
• Bulacan Kuyas – Forward Juan Dela Cruz: Posted a double‑double (20 points, 11 rebounds) and was a constant presence in the paint, though he fouled out with 1:30 left.
• Cebu Classic – Rookie Jericho Santos: Came off the bench to contribute 14 points and 4 steals, providing the defensive spark that shifted momentum.

Season Impact

The win improves Cebu’s record to 8–3, keeping them firmly in the top four of the MPBL North Division standings. For Bulacan, the loss drops them to 6–5, but they remain in the playoff conversation. The two teams are scheduled to meet again in late August, a rematch that now carries added significance.