Cebu Greats stay alive in MPBL, but play-in fate remains uncertain
The Cebu Greats secured an 80-71 victory over the Bacolod Tubo Slashers in their final elimination-round game of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) on September 22 at the Amoranto Gym in Quezon City. This win elevated Cebu from 12th to ninth place in the Southern Division standings, keeping their postseason hopes alive by positioning them in contention for a play-in berth.
Under the MPBL format, the 7th to 10th seeds in each division advance to the play-in round to decide the final playoff spots. However, Cebu's improved standing is tentative, as it depends on the results of remaining games by other teams. Davao Occidental, Muntinlupa, and Sarangani are also vying for the last play-in slots, with Davao and Sarangani still having crucial matches to play.
For Cebu to officially qualify for the play-in, Davao Occidental must lose all its remaining games, including against Manila Batang Quiapo, Abra Weavers, and Quezon City Galeries Taipans. A single win by Davao would eliminate Cebu due to the head-to-head tiebreaker. Additionally, Sarangani's upcoming game against Batang Kankaloo on September 27 could affect Cebu's position if Sarangani wins, while Muntinlupa has already completed its schedule.
Key performers for Cebu included veteran forward Limuel Tampus, who led the team with 13 points, eight rebounds, and two assists. Jun Manzo added 12 points, three rebounds, three assists, and two steals, supported by contributions from Paul Desiderio, Alvin Baetiong, Jan Jamon, JR Quiñahan, and Paolo Hubalde. For Bacolod, Mark Day Dubouzet scored 13 points in the loss, as the Slashers fell to a 4-24 record.
The game was competitive, with Bacolod leading early before Cebu rallied to tie and eventually pull ahead in the second half. A 10-point burst from Manzo, Jamon, and Quiñahan helped Cebu secure a 64-56 lead entering the final quarter, which they maintained to win. Despite the victory, Cebu's playoff fate now rests on the outcomes of other teams' matches.
