Greats overpower Masskaras for seventh straight victory

The Cebu Greats turned a slow start into another convincing victory, pulling away in the second quarter to defeat the Bacolod Masskaras, 97-67, on Thursday in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) 2026 Season at the Strike Gymnasium in Bacoor, Cavite.

After trailing 23-20 at the end of the opening period, Cebu seized control behind the strong play of returning guard Jun Manzo and Limuel Tampus, who combined for 17 points in the second quarter. Their surge fueled a 46-33 halftime advantage that the Greats never relinquished.

Cebu continued to pile on the points after the break, with Mark Meneses and Brylle Meca leading the charge as the Greats stretched the margin to as many as 35 points, 95-60, following a Tampus three-pointer with 5:11 left.

The win extended Cebu's streak to seven games and improved its record to 14-3, keeping the Greats firmly in the hunt near the top of the South Division standings alongside Gensan (14-2), Batangas (13-2), Quezon Province (10-2), and Biñan Tatak Gel (13-3).

Meneses paced Cebu with 18 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists, while Tampus earned Best Player of the Game honors after finishing with 12 points, 13 rebounds, and five assists.

Manzo made an immediate impact in his first appearance for the Greats after an extended absence, contributing 13 points and two rebounds. Ron Dennison also reached double figures with 10 points.

Tampus, the 6-foot-1 forward known as "Boomboom" for his athleticism, credited his teammates for making his transition to Cebu's system a smooth one.

Bacolod slipped to 3-16 despite a solid all-around effort from Fil-Am Desmond Price, who tallied 18 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and two steals. Rafael Go added 14 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, while Marjun Wahing scored 12 points and Ram Mesqueriola chipped in 10 points, six rebounds, and two blocks.

The MPBL shifts to the Gov. Andres B. Bernos Memorial Gymnasium in Bangued, Abra, on Saturday, where Quezon City faces Quezon Province at 3 p.m. before host Abra Solid North takes on Rizal XentroMall at 6 p.m. The Abra Weavers will also be honored with their 2025 MPBL championship rings during ceremonies scheduled for 5 p.m.