Cebu Greats shoot for solo lead in MPBL South Division

CEBU, Philippines — The red-hot Cebu Greats MJAS Zenith Trading train their sights on the solo South Division lead as they host the Biñan Tatak Gel in the first of their back-to-back home games in the SportsPlus Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Season 8 scheduled today (Thursday, July 16) at the Hoops Dome in Lapu-Lapu City.

Tip-off is set for 6 p.m., right after the 4 p.m. opening match between the Batangas City Tanduay Athletics and Basilan Steel.

Coming off a hot streak of seven games, Cebu won all but one of their last 13 games to join the Gensan Warriors atop the South leaderboard on identical 14-3 win-loss records.

The Greats will try to break away from that tie as they tackle Biñan in their first home game since they beat Gensan, 72-66, at the Aznar Coliseum seven years ago.

The ageless Cebuano hotshot Dondon Hontiveros is expected to carry the fight for the home team together with his son Ice, JR Quiñahan, Andrey Armenion, Ron Dennison, JJ Gesalem, Brylle Meca, Elmer Echavez, Kint Ariar, and Dolan Adlawan.

Coach Junthy Valenzuela can also count on Jun Manzo, Mark Meneses, Ichie Altamirano, Dhon Reverente, Simon Camacho, CJ Payawal, Alvin Baetiong, and Aldrin Morante as they seek to extend their amazing run right before their fans.

Though in high spirits playing at their turf, the Greats must brace for a tough challenge against Biñan, which is bannered by former PBA players Jean Marc Pingris, Carlo Lastimosa, and Nino Canaleta, ex-UST King Tiger Nic Cabañero, and erstwhile CESAFI stars Kenny Rogers Rocacurva, Michael Maestre, and Popoy Actub.

After Biñan, which is currently fourth in the South with a 13-3 slate, Cebu will next face the Batang Kankaloo on Saturday (July 18) at the Cebu Coliseum.