Manzo powers Cebu to strong start in MPBL

Sports

THE Cebu Greats leaned on the scorching offensive performance of Jun Manzo to take off to a winning start in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Season 26, drubbing the Rizal Xentro Mall Golden Coolers on Friday night, April 10, at the Alonte Sports Stadium in Biñan, Laguna.

Manzo dazzled for 29 points anchored on five three-point boombs. He went 11-for-20 from the field and also tossed in three rebounds, three assists, and a steal in a stellar 31 minutes of playing time.

Backing Manzo was Paul Desiderio, who piled up 11 points, five assists, two rebounds, and two steals.

Cebu managed to secure the season-opening win despite the absences of key players Dondon Hontiveros, JR Quiñahan, and Eman Calo.

Playing their first full MPBL season after a late franchise takeover last year, the Greats broke free from a tight first half by staging a blistering run in the third period.

The first period ended at 32-all before Cebu took a slim 35-32 at the turn.

The Greats then went full throttle in the third canto, erecting a 43-32 before breaking the game wide open with a dizzying 14-0 attack that saw them lead by as many as 25 points.

John Paul Maguilano and Laurenz Paul Victoria paced Rizal with 11 points apiece while Alwyn Alday added 10.

Cebu will try to make two-in-a-row when it battles the the powerhouse San Juan Knights on April 16 at the Cuneta Astrodome.(CCM)