Cebu Greats beat Marikina for back-to-back wins in MPBL

CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Cebu Greats have regained their winning form after turning two frustrating home defeats into back-to-back road victories in the SportsPlus MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) 2025 Season.

Fresh off consecutive losses in their first-ever home games in Cebu City and Lapu-Lapu City two weeks ago, the Greats continued their resurgence with an emphatic 87-74 win over the Marikina Shoemasters on July 31.

Cebu seized control behind a balanced attack led by Limuel Tampus and Alfrancis Tamsi, breaking the game open with a commanding 70-52 advantage before cruising to victory.

The win improved the Greats to 16-5 and reaffirmed their place among the South Division’s contenders.

READ: MPBL: Cebu Greats recover from home slump, rout Pasig

‘Best Player’

Tampus earned ‘Best Player of the Game’ honors after finishing with 20 points, six rebounds, and three assists. Tamsi added 19 points, while Mark Meneses anchored the paint with 12 points, 16 rebounds, five assists, and two blocks. Alvin Baetiong also delivered a double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds.

Marikina slipped to 7-14 despite 20 points, nine rebounds, and six assists from Deo Timajo, while JR Alabanza chipped in 16 points and eight rebounds.

In the day’s marquee matchup, the Quezon Huskers clamped down on the usually explosive San Juan Knights and escaped with a 78-71 victory to remain atop the South Division with a 13-2 record. Cedrick Manzano posted 14 points and 12 rebounds to earn Best Player of the Game as Quezon handed San Juan only its second loss of the season and snapped the Knights’ 13-game winning streak. Michael Calisaan paced San Juan with 14 points.

Earlier, Basilan Steel overwhelmed Manila Batang Quiapo, 102-89, behind Byron Villarias’ explosive 35-point performance highlighted by eight three-pointers. The victory lifted Basilan to 10-11 and back into eighth place in the South Division, while Manila dropped to 2-18 despite John Ashley Faa’s 29-point outing.

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