MPBL: Cebu, Ilagan Isabela, Manila tally wins
MANILA, Philippines — The Cebu Greats hit distant targets and beat the Pasay Voyagers, 92-82, on Tuesday to sustain their climb in the SportsPlus MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) 2026 Season at the Pasay Astrodome.
Headed by Cebuano legend Dondon Hontiveros, who drilled in 3-of-4 triple attempts, the Greats connected on 12 of 22 from long distance for a remarkable 54.5%, to derail the Voyagers, who converted 8 of 29 for 27.6%.
Cebu led as far as 63-40 on a Mark Meneses triple en route to its third straight win and a 10-3 slate in the round-robin elimination phase of the two-division, 28-team tournament.
The 6-foot-4 Meneses, a prized find from the University of Luzon, finished with 19 points, including two triples, nine rebounds and three blocks to capture Best Player.
Ichie Altamirano contributed 11 points, spiked by two triples, three assists and two rebounds, followed by Hontiveros with 10 points and four rebounds, and Simon Camacho; with seven points, seven rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks.
Cebu caught up with Binan at fourth spot in the South Division, within sight of Batangas (10-3), Gensan (12-2) and Quezon Province (8-0).
Pasay absorbed back-to-back losses and fell to 7-5 in the North division, with Brian Hilario and homegrown Nico Quinal scoring 14 each; Edmund Dela Cruz posting nine points and 10 rebounds; and Christian Fajarito held to eight points and three rebounds.
Ilagan Isabela tames Bulacan
The Ilagan Isabela Cowboys banked on the hot hands of Kyle Paranada to thwart the Bulacan Kuyas, 82-78, and raise their record to 8-5 in the opener.
Paranada, the former University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers star, fired 29 points, hitting a perfect 4-of-4 triples, 5-of-9 2-pointers and 7-of-8 free throws, highlighted by the last two that secured the Cowboys' third straight win.
The 5-foot-9 shooter and slasher from San Diego, California, was chosen Best Player over Jayboy Solis, who posted 18 points, 11 rebounds and six assists.
Other Cowboys who delivered were Allen Mina with seven points and three assists; Alex Cabagnot with six points, six assists and three rebounds; and homegrown TJ Felebrico with 12 rebounds and five points.
Veteran recruit Robby Celiz contributed nine rebounds, three assists and a free throw that knotted the count at 73-73 midway through the fourth quarter.
Jeremy Cruz pushed Bulacan ahead, 76-75, with a triple, but Paranada countered with a triple that sparked Ilagan's closing 7-2 run in the last 2:40.
Bulacan, which tumbled to 4-8, got 14 points, nine rebounds, three assists and two steals from Cruz; 14 points, four rebounds and three assists from Mart James Barrera; 11 points from Benedict Benedictos; and 10 points, five rebounds and five assists from Jonathan Medina.
Manila beats Paranaque
Manila Batang Quiapo bested Paranaque, 106-100, in the second game and improved to 2-11.
Alfred Sedillo led Manila with 27 points and 11 rebounds, followed by Joe Gomez De Liano with 23 points, four rebounds, three steals and two assists; and Redgimir Eusebio with 18 points and eight rebounds.
Paranaque, which hogged the cellar at 1-14, drew 29 points and 10 rebounds from Domark Matillano; and 18 points, five rebounds and three assists from Marlon Monte.
The MPBL continues at the One Arena Cainta on Wednesday, featuring games between Bataan and Caloocan at 6 p.m., and Rizal and Quezon City at 8 p.m. (Pool story)
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