MPBL: Elmer Echavez powers Cebu Greats past Negros in lopsided win

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Cebuano forward Elmer Echavez turned in his best performance yet in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL), powering the Cebu Greats to a commanding 124-77 victory over the Negros Hacienderos on Monday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

The former University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) captain registered a double-double of 19 points and a game-high 17 rebounds to earn Best Player of the Game honors as Cebu stretched its winning streak to six games and improved to 13-3 in the South Division.

“I think we won because of our defense, our all-out effort, and by helping each other out,” said the 26-year-old Echavez after leading the Greats’ wire-to-wire triumph.

READ: Cebu Greats escape Bulacan via overtime in MPBL

Cebu wasted little time taking control, racing to a 10-0 lead and never looking back en route to its sixth consecutive victory to strengthen its position in the South Division playoff race.

The 6-foot-2 homegrown forward led a balanced Cebu attack that saw five other Greats finish in double figures. Ron Dennison chipped in 12 points, four assists and two rebounds, while Fil-Am CJ Payawal added 11 points and three rebounds.

READ: Meneses leads Cebu Greats past Quezon City in MPBL

Alvin Baetiong contributed 10 points and five rebounds, while Mark Meneses scored 10 points with four rebounds and two assists in fewer than 12 minutes of action.

With the win, Cebu remained within striking distance of South Division leader Gensan (14-2) while moving ahead of Batangas (12-2) and the other 12-3 squad in the standings.

Negros, which dropped to 1-13, was led by Achie Inigo with 17 points, six assists and five rebounds. Reymar Caduyac added 13 points, four rebounds and three assists, while Mike Alvarez finished with 12 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals.

Making full use of its size advantage, Cebu dominated the rebounding battle, 78-43, and outscored Negros, 68-30, in the paint to complete the one-sided victory.

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