Caloocan rolls past Cebu as MPBL honors legendary Cebuano basketball figures

Caloocan strengthened its push for the top spot in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) 2026 Season after overpowering Cebu, 89-76, on Saturday at the Cebu Coliseum.

The Batang Kankaloo broke the game open early behind strong performances from Jeff Manday, Jammer Jamito, and Kymani Ladi, building a commanding 49-26 halftime advantage before cruising to the finish line.

The victory improved Caloocan’s record to 16-2 in the 27-team league’s round-robin elimination phase, keeping the team firmly in the North Division playoff race behind defending champion Abra Solid North (14-1) and San Juan (14-1).

Manday, a 6-foot guard from Bacolod City, delivered a complete performance with 15 points, three three-pointers, 14 rebounds, eight assists, and two steals. Jamito led the scoring attack with 17 points while adding eight rebounds, two assists, and two blocks, while Ladi also scored 17 points highlighted by four triples, along with five rebounds, two assists, and two blocks.

"We stayed composed even with the highly physical plays of the Greats in their homecourt," said Manday, who also contributed to limiting Cebu’s outside shooting.

Eric Camson added 10 points and five rebounds, while Dom Escobar scored seven points. Kean Baclaan chipped in six points, seven assists, and four rebounds.

Cebu, despite the defeat, remained at 14-5 and fifth in the South Division standings. The Greats trail Batangas City Tanduay Athletics (14-2), Quezon Huskers (12-2), Gensan Warriors (14-3), and Biñan Tatak Gel (14-3), which edged Cebu, 78-77, in a comeback victory last Thursday.

Mark Menses paced Cebu with 27 points, seven rebounds, and three assists.

Following the Mindoro-Zamboanga matchup, the MPBL paid tribute to Cebu’s basketball icons for their lasting contributions to the sport.

Leading the group of honorees was Ramon Fernandez, considered one of the greatest Filipino players in basketball history, who received a special plaque of recognition.

"I'd like to thank the MPBL through the leadership of Sen. Manny (Pacquiao) for recognizing the Cebuano legends," Fernandez said. "Certainly this is a big honor for me, especially that it is held in Cebu. This is the gym where I practically started my career."

Fernandez, a four-time PBA Most Valuable Player and former national team standout, was joined by fellow Cebuano basketball figures including Bonel Balingit, Elmer "Boy" Cabahug, Peter Naron, Marcelino "Terry" Albarillo, Rodolfo Jose "Bong" Abad Jr., Hilario "Larry" Villanil, Calvin Tuadles, Alfonso "Al" Solis, Lowell Briones, Alexandro "Jojo" Lim, Maximo "Mad Max" Delantes, Wilfredo "Willy" Generalao, Norberto "Titing" Manalili Sr., Rogelio "Roger" Yap Jr., Junthy L. Valenzuela, Cresencio "Dondon" Ampalayo, Manuel "Manny" Paner, Ramon "Montoy" Singson, Jercules "Jojo" Tangkay, and Reynaldo "Reyns" Yncierto, who traveled from Carson, California, for the ceremony.

Briones and Paner were unable to attend the recognition program.

In a video message, MPBL founder and chairman Manny Pacquiao thanked Cebu’s basketball supporters, praised the honored legends, and recognized the Cebu Greats for helping bring the league back to the province through the four-game event, with the first two contests held at the Hoops Dome in Lapu-Lapu City.

Pacquiao also expressed his hope of attending future MPBL games in Cebu.

"Cebuano players have been known to be all-out and will do everything to win. We hope the legends will inspire the young players to play the same way," said MPBL commissioner Emmer Oreta.

Operations head Zaldy Realubit added that additional Cebuano basketball personalities will be recognized in future ceremonies.

MPBL action resumes Monday at One Arena in Cainta, featuring Imus against Valenzuela at 4 p.m., Abra Solid North versus Bacolod at 6 p.m., and Marikina against Ilagan Isabela at 8 p.m.