Cebu Greats cruise past Batang Quiapo for fifth straight victory

The Cebu Greats continued their strong run in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) 2026 Season after overpowering Manila Batang Quiapo, 128-93, on Monday at the Novadeci Convention Center in Novaliches, Quezon City.

After Manila scored the game’s opening basket, Cebu quickly seized momentum with a decisive 10-0 burst fueled by consecutive three-pointers from Mark Meneses and Paul Desiderio. The Greats maintained control the rest of the way, stretching their winning streak to five and improving to 7-2 in the round-robin eliminations of the 28-team, two-division tournament.

Competing in the South Division, Cebu remains behind unbeaten squads Gensan (8-0) and Quezon Province (6-0) in the standings race.

Meneses spearheaded the attack with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and two assists, while Dhon Reverente dominated inside with 14 points, 17 rebounds, and four assists to earn Best Player of the Game honors.

Despite lacking height, Reverente teamed up with Meneses and Kint Ariar to control the rebounding battle, 66-35. Cebu converted that advantage into a 64-52 edge in paint scoring and a commanding 30-8 margin in second-chance points.

Ariar contributed 12 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists, while Ron Dennison scored 14 points. Ice Hontiveros added 10 points, five assists, and three rebounds, and Jonathan Ralf Gesalem chipped in 10 markers.

The Greats will next take on Gensan on Friday, May 29.

Meanwhile, Manila slipped to 1-8 despite solid performances from John Ashley Faa, who posted 23 points, seven steals, and seven rebounds. Alfred Sedillo added 21 points and six assists, while Mark Doligon registered 13 points, three rebounds, and two assists.

The MPBL action continues Tuesday at One Arena Cainta, with Rizal battling Marikina at 4 p.m., Batangas facing Bacolod at 6 p.m., and Bataan squaring off against Meycauayan at 8 p.m.