Cebu pulls off massive upset over Abra

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu Greats banked on the explosive performance of Mark Meneses and the endgame heroics of Kint Ariar to stun the defending champions Abra Solid North Weavers, 74-70, in the SportsPlus Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) 2026 Season on Monday night, August 31, at the Ynares Center Montalban in Rizal.

Meneses delivered a solid double-double of 26 points and 14 rebounds with four assists, two steals and two blocks as the Greats rolled to their fifth straight victory after losing back-to-back home games to grab the solo lead in the South Division with a 19-5 win-loss record.

With the score tied at 68-all, Ariar came to the rescue of Cebu by hitting the go-ahead basket in the final 42 seconds and then nailing the insurance free throws with 7.5 ticks left in the game clock.

Ariar finished with eight points and two rebounds while Dhon Reverente unloaded 16 points and four rebounds as Cebu snapped Abra’s 19-game winning streak in a massive upset.

Dave Ildefonso chalked up 20 points, 11 rebounds and two assists while DJ Fenner added 18 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals for Abra, which suffered its only second defeat in 23 matches.

With a 21-2 slate, the Weavers are still on top of the North Division. — (FREEMAN)