Cebu Greats eye back-to-back wins in MPBL clash vs Marikina

The Cebu Greats are aiming for back-to-back wins in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) when they play against the Marikina Shoemasters on Thursday, August 7, at the Cuneta Astrodome in Manila, seeking to build momentum.

This follows a gritty 100-94 upset victory over the favored GenSan Warriors on August 2 in Las Piñas City, which improved Cebu's record to 6-15. The win keeps them in 13th place in the South Division standings, within striking distance of a playoff spot, but they must win all five of their remaining elimination round games to stay in contention.

Marikina is also struggling this season, holding 13th place in the North Division and 26th overall with a 4-17 record. They are looking to recover from a lopsided 52-75 defeat to the Biñan Tatak Gel Beasts on July 31.

Key players for Cebu include Mark Meneses, who earned Best Player of the Game honors against GenSan with a double-double of 23 points, 15 rebounds, and six assists. Jun Manzo added 23 points and six assists, Jan Jamon contributed 13 points and five rebounds, and Alvin Baetiong scored 11 points with six rebounds.

Marikina will rely on Deo Timajo, who averages 18 points, nine assists, and three steals per game, alongside scoring threats Nemesis Dela Cruz and Jay Yutuc, who contribute averages of 16 and 13 points per game, respectively.