Cebu’s hot streak comes to an end

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu Greats saw their five-game winning streak come to an end after they bowed down to Zamboanga Sikat, 70-74, in the Manny Pacquiao presents 1xBet-MPBL 2025 Season on Thursday night, August 28, at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.

It was a sorry loss for the Greats, who scored the game’s first seven points and even enjoyed a five-point lead, 58-53, on a step-back jump shot by Jun Manzo in the final 6:39 mark.

Cebu was still on top 67-65 when Zamboanga staged a 7-1 blitz to seize the upper hand, 72-68, for good with only 34 seconds left to play.

The Greats threatened for the last time at 70-72 as Shej Roi Sumang hit a pull-up jumper in the last 11.8 seconds to seal the deal for Zamboanga.

Manzo fired 20 points with four rebounds, three assists and a steal while Mac Tallo finished with 11 points, three rebounds and as many assists for Cebu, which fell to 10-16 but it still in contention for the play-in tournament in the South Division.

John Paul Cauilan churned in 20 points and six rebounds while Abdul Sawat added 16 points, four rebounds, four assists, one steal, and a block as Zamboanga strengthened its hold of the second spot in the South with a 17-8 win-loss record.