Lastimosa, Rocacurva fuel Biñan rally to stun Cebu

Biñan Tatak Gel stormed back from an eight-point fourth-quarter deficit to edge Cebu, 78-77, on Thursday before a packed crowd at the Hoops Dome in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) 2026 Season.

Down 74-66 with just 4:07 remaining, Biñan closed the game on a decisive 12-3 run to extend its winning streak to 12 games and improve to 14-3 in the round-robin elimination phase of the 27-team tournament.

Carlo Lastimosa ignited the late surge, scoring four points in the final three minutes, including the go-ahead basket. Jaymar Gimpayan and Pamboy Raymundo added three points apiece during the run, while Nic Cabañero chipped in two.

Kenny Rocacurva paced Biñan with 19 points, seven rebounds, five steals, and two assists in 28 minutes and 49 seconds.

"We just played our game and adjusted to Cebu's defense," said Rocacurva, a Cebuano from San Francisco, Camotes Islands.

Cabañero contributed 14 points, four rebounds, and three assists, while Lastimosa and Gimpayan finished with 12 points each.

The victory allowed Biñan to improve to 14-3, tying General Santos while closing the gap on South Division leaders Batangas City (14-2) and Quezon Province (12-2).

Cebu slipped to 14-4 despite Jun Manzo's game-high 23 points, highlighted by five three-pointers, along with two assists. Mark Meneses nearly recorded a triple-double with 13 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists, three blocks, and two steals.

The Greats will try to bounce back on Saturday when they face Caloocan at 8 p.m. at the Cebu Coliseum. Mindoro and Zamboanga SiKat will open the twin bill at 5 p.m., followed by a ceremony honoring Cebuano basketball legends for their lasting contributions to the sport.

Four-time PBA Most Valuable Player Ramon Fernandez headlines the 21 honorees who will receive plaques of recognition.

Also set to be recognized are 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.

Commissioner Emmer Oreta and Operations Head Zaldy Realubit said the recognition program will continue in future ceremonies to honor more deserving Cebuano basketball personalities.

Cebu Greats representative Sam Lato added that another sellout crowd is expected on Saturday as ticket sales continue to be brisk.