Greats rout Hacienderos by 47 for sixth straight win

The Cebu Greats continued their winning ways with a dominant 124-77 victory over the Negros Hacienderos on Monday in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) 2026 Season at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

Cebu came out firing with a 10-0 opening run and never relinquished control, cruising to its sixth consecutive win to improve to 13-3 in the elimination round of the 27-team tournament.

The Greats showcased their depth as 14 players scored, led by homegrown forward Elmer Echavez, who posted 19 points and 17 rebounds to earn Best Player of the Game honors.

Five other Cebu players also finished in double figures. Simon Camacho registered a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds, Ron Dennison added 12 points, four assists, and two rebounds, while Fil-Am CJ Payawal contributed 11 points and three boards. Alvin Baetiong chipped in 10 points and five rebounds, and Mark Meneses scored 10 points to go along with four rebounds and two assists in less than 12 minutes of action.

The victory kept Cebu firmly in the hunt near the top of the South Division standings, trailing Batangas (14-2) and Biñan (12-2) while remaining ahead of Bacoor (12-3) in the race for playoff positioning.

Negros fell to 1-13 despite a strong outing from Achie Inigo, who finished with 17 points, six assists, and five rebounds. Reymar Caduyac added 13 points, four rebounds, and three assists, while Mike Alvarez contributed 12 points, four rebounds, two assists, and two steals.

Cebu's dominance was reflected in the numbers, as the Greats controlled the glass, 78-43, and overwhelmed Negros in the paint, 68-30.

"We won because of our defense, all-out effort, and helping each other out," said Echavez, the 26-year-old University of San Jose-Recoletos product.

MPBL action continues Tuesday at the Batangas City Coliseum, where Basilan faces Marikina at 4 p.m., Zamboanga takes on Rizal at 6 p.m., and host Batangas squares off against Valenzuela at 8 p.m.