Cebu Greats begin final four-game stretch vs. Ilagan Isabela

CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Cebu Greats begin their final push toward the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) playoffs when they face the Ilagan Isabela Cowboys on Wednesday, August 12, at the Batangas City Coliseum.

With only four games remaining in the elimination round, Cebu is looking to close out the regular season on a strong note and carry its current momentum into the playoffs, which are set to unfold in September.

The Greats are chasing their fourth straight victory after bouncing back from two consecutive home losses in Lapu-Lapu City and Cebu City last July. Their latest win was a thrilling 80–79 escape over the heavily favored Quezon Huskers in Mandaluyong City.

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The three-game winning streak has propelled Cebu from fifth to second in the Southern Division with a 16–5 record. Biñan Tatak Gel leads the division at 16–4, followed by Batangas City Athletics at 15–3 and the GenSan Warriors at 14–4.

Test before MPBL playoffs

But Ilagan presents another stern test.

The Cowboys are fourth in the Northern Division at 13–7 and are also coming off a victory, an 80–73 win over the Meycauayan Marilao Gems. Cebu will have to be sharp against an Ilagan squad that enters the matchup with plenty of confidence of its own.

The Greats will once again lean on Mark Meneses, their consistent scoring option who averages 15.7 points per game. Jun Manzo leads the team in scoring at 18 points per game, although his availability has been inconsistent this season.

Cebu will also have a veteran-laden supporting cast in Wowie Escocio, Don Reverente, Andrey Armenion, Dondon Hontiveros, and JR Quinahan, along with its dependable group of role players of Al Francis Tamsi, Simon Camacho, Elmer Echavez, and Ron Dennison.

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After Ilagan, the Greats will face Meycauayan on August 17 at the Malolos Sports and Convention Center, followed by the Mindoro Tamaraws on August 21 at the Meycauayan Sports Complex.

Cebu’s final elimination-round assignment comes on August 31 against the league-leading Abra Solid North Weavers at the Ynares Center.

With the playoffs drawing closer, the Greats have little room for complacency. Four games remain, and every win could be crucial in determining their position heading into the postseason.

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