Cebu bows to San Juan in MPBL

Sports

THE Cebu Greats couldn’t get a good follow-up of their stellar season-debut as they fell to the San Juan Knights, 73-81, in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) 2026 Season on Thursday night, April 16, at the Pasay Astrodome.

Coming off an 81-65 win over Rizal, Cebu trailed big at the half, 29-44. The Greats mounted a mini run in the endgame, staging a 10-0 run at point but was eventually scuttled by San Juan.

Top 6-foot-8 recruit Mike Phillips led San Juan with a stellar all-around performance as he finished with 15 rebounds, nine points, eight assists, and one steal.

Gerry Abadiano added 15 points and two rebounds while Michael Calisaan chipped in 12 points and five rebounds as the Knights secured a second win in as many outings.

San Juan emerged as one of the season’s title favorites after bringing in highly touted players.

Aside from Phillips, the Knights also have Harold Alarcon, Reyland Torres and Terrence Fortea, all ex-University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons.

Alarcon tallied eight points, two rebounds and three assists while Torres collected seven points and four rebounds in the win.

Leading Cebu was Mark Menses, who completed a double-double of 17 points and 17 rebounds.

Brian Heruela added 12 points while Wowie Escosio and Paul Desiderio had 11 and 10 points, respectively.(CCM)