Cebu Greats tame QC Black Bulls for fifth straight win

CEBU, Philippines — The red-hot Cebu Greats/MJAS Zenith whipped the Quezon City Black Bulls, 74-61, for their fifth consecutive win in the SportsPlus Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Season 8 on Monday night, June 29, at the Paco Arena Events and Sports Center in Manila.

Mark Meneses chalked up a double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds laced with one assist, two steals and three blocks as the Greats triumphed for the 10th time in their last 11 games to stay in a tie with Biñan Tatak Gel at third place in South Division standings with similar 12-3 records.

Kint Ariar and Alvin Baetiong added 10 points each for Cebu, which dictated the pace of the match since taking a 19-17 edge after the first 10 minutes of play..

The Greats stretched their lead to double digits, 36-26, at halftime, which they maintained, 59-49, after three quarters.

The Black Bulls pulled within six points, 54-60, but that was the closest they could come as the Greats closed the match with a 14-7 rally to walk away with a resounding 13-point victory.

The Greats will take a one-week break before resuming their campaign against the Negros Hacienderos on July 6 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Christian Jake Agoncillo and Kobe Monje combined for 25 points and 11 rebounds to no avail as the Black Bulls fell to 7-8. — (FREEMAN)