Cebu Greats' home stand slated in Hoops Dome, Cebu Coliseum

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Cebuano basketball fans are set for a long-awaited treat as the Cebu Greats finally bring their home games to local venues, giving supporters a rare chance to watch a homegrown squad compete on their own turf.

The Cebu Greats will play back-to-back games on July 16 and 18 at two different venues.

The first outing will be held on July 16 at the Hoops Dome in Lapu-Lapu City, where they face the Biñan Tatak Gel Masters at 6 p.m. Two days later, on July 18, the team returns to Cebu City to take on the Caloocan Batang Kankaloo at the Cebu Coliseum, also tipping off at 6 p.m.

READ: Cebu Greats crush Parañaque by 49 points, climb to 4th in MPBL

The double home stand marks a significant moment for Cebu basketball, coming nearly eight years after the last time a Cebu-based team hosted an MPBL game on home soil. The last instance dates back to December 14, 2019, when the now-disbanded Cebu Casino Ethyl Alcohol Sharks defeated the GenSan Warriors, 72-66, at Aznar Coliseum inside Southwestern University (SWU) Phinma.

The schedule and venues were officially confirmed by Cebu Greats management through its social media page earlier this week.

Eighth in the standings

Currently, the Cebu Greats sit eighth in the standings with a 9–3 record. They are just behind Biñan Tatak Gel Masters, who hold a 10–3 slate at seventh place overall. In the South Division race, Cebu is fourth while Biñan occupies third.

On the other side, Caloocan Batang Kankaloo enter the stretch as one of the league’s top teams, carrying a 12–1 record that places them at the top of the North Division standings. They are widely regarded as strong title contenders this season alongside San Juan Knights and Abra Weavers.

The upcoming games present a tough challenge for the Cebu Greats, but history shows Cebuano fans have always risen to the occasion. Known as a passionate “sixth man,” Cebu supporters have long been recognized for packing venues and creating a hostile atmosphere for visiting teams, dating back to the Metropolitan Basketball Association era when the Cebu Gems drew massive crowds at the Cebu Coliseum.

READ: Cebu Greats look to extend surge against winless Parañaque

Adding another layer to the Biñan matchup, the game also serves as a homecoming of sorts for two Cebuano players in Nic Cabanero of Lapu-Lapu City and Kenny Roger Rocacurva of Camotes Island.

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