IN STARK contrast to their previous three games, the Cebu Greats suffered a crushing 80-66 defeat at the hands of the Ilagan Isabela Cowboys in the ongoing Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at the San Andres Sports Complex in Malate, Manila.
It was the Cebu Greats’ most lopsided loss since making significant changes to their lineup.
Although they started strong in the first quarter with a 16-8 lead, their offense faltered midway through the second period when the Isabela Cowboys unleashed a 10-2 rally, fueled by a three-pointer from Joshua Ramirez.
Art Dela Cruz’s three-point play tied the count at 18-all with 6:52 remaining in the first half.
After forging the first deadlock, the Cowboys launched a 15-4 burst that widened the lead to as much as 11 points, 33-22, with Allan Santos and Jayboy Solis leading the charge.
In the third quarter, the Cebu Greats coach Junthy Valenzuela attempted to regain momentum. A 13-8 rally spearheaded by Jun Manzo, Mark Meneses and Mark Tallo briefly tied the game again at 43-43.
However, that proved to be the Cebuanos’ last gasp, as they were unable to contain the Cowboys’ relentless attack.
The victory improved Ilagan’s record to 11-8, while the Cebu Greats fell to 5-11, jeopardizing their chances of advancing to the next round.
Solis tallied 12 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals for the Cowboys, while Mark Dyke added 11 points -- all in the fourth quarter.
For the Cebu Greats, Manzo was the only player to reach double figures, finishing with 28 points and three rebounds. Meneses scored eight points.
Individual scores:
Ilagan (80) - Solis 12, Dyke 11, Guiab 11, Gumaro 9, A. Santos 9, D. Santos 8, Gomez 6, Dela Cruz 5, Miranda 4, Ramirez 3, Tumalip 2.
Cebu (66) - Manzo 28, Meneses 8, Jamon 7, Baetiong 5, Quinahan 5, Martel 3, Adlawan 2, Holmqvist 2. / JBM