Cebu Greats surge back into MPBL playoff race with 5 straight wins

The Cebu Greats have mounted a significant resurgence in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) season, moving from near the bottom of the South Division standings to 10th place with a 10-15 record after winning five consecutive games. This turnaround has put them in contention for a play-in tournament spot and kept alive hopes for a potential outright playoff berth.

Their next challenge is a crucial game against the No. 2 ranked Zamboanga Sikats on August 28 at the Cuneta Astrodome in Manila. Cebu enters the match with momentum following a hard-fought 97-93 victory over Valenzuela City on August 23.

Key to Cebu's success has been the performance of Jun Manzo, who averages 19 points and four assists per game, alongside contributions from veterans Mark Meneses and Jan Jamon, as well as reliable players like Paul Desiderio, Lean Martel, and Lades Lepalam.

Despite Zamboanga's strong 16-8 record and consistency this season, they have shown recent vulnerability by losing three of their last five games, including a narrow 70-71 defeat to the GenSan Warriors, offering Cebu hope for an upset.

Cebu is currently tied with Muntinlupa for the 9th/10th position in the South Division play-in race. Winning their final four games would secure a play-in spot, and while overtaking the top six teams remains unlikely, the team has not ruled out the possibility should higher-seeded teams falter.