Cebu Greats fall to Marilao Gems

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu Greats bowed down to the Meycauayan Marilao Gems by the narrowest of margins, 80-79, in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) 2026 Season on Wednesday, September 9, at the Olivarez College Gymnasium in Paranaque City.

Cebu made a big turnaround after trailing by 13 points, 61-74, in the final 8:53 mark.

The Greats pulled within just a hairline, 79-80, on two free throws by Limuel Tampus with still 2:24 left to play.

But the two sides swapped missed attempts thereafter, enabling the Gems to weather Cebu’s late comeback bid.

Agem Miranda finished with 16 points, three rebounds and three assists while Jayson Apolonio and Robin Julian Nayve combined for 21 points to help the Gems climb to fourth in the North Division with a 14-10 win-loss record.

Tampus delivered an all-around performance for Cebu with 23 points, eight rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks while Mark Meneses and Simon Camacho both posted a double-double.

Camacho chalked up 16 points, 15 rebounds, four assists and two steals while Meneses banged in 14 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and two blocks but their impressive showing went to waste sa Cebu dropped to 19-6 at the end of their elimination campaign. – EBV