Basilan outguns Cebu in MPBL

Sports

LADY luck didn’t smile at the Cebu Greats this time, falling to the Basilan Steel, 75-80, in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Season 2026 on Monday, April 27, at the City of San Jose del Monte Sports Complex in Bulacan.

The Greats came into the match riding high on an 84-83 win over Batangas City–a win that was only made possible after Rhinwill Yambing committed a goaltending violation at the buzzer.

Against Basilan, Cebu couldn’t stop a hot-shooting John Wilson, who sank seven of his 10 attempts from three-point territory to lead Basilan with a whopping 33 points.

Wilson, a one-time MPBL MVP, also tossed in nine rebounds, two steals, and an assist.

Cebuano guard Gab Cometa tallied nine points to help Basilan’s cause. Veteran JVee Casio added eight points and four assists while John Byron Villarias had seven markers as the Steel pocketed their third win in four outings.

Cebu heavily felt the absence of Jun Manzo and it didn’t help that Paul Desiderio struggled offensively and managed just seven points in the Greats’ second loss against the same number of wins.

Mark Meneses led Cebu with 18 points, six rebounds, and one assist. Dhon Reverente contributed 10 markers while Brian Heruela and Simon Camacho chipped in a combined 17 points.(CCM)