In an electrifying display of basketball prowess, the Lapu-Lapu City Heroes secured an impressive 88-80 victory against the Cebu Greats during a highly anticipated exhibition match on Friday, November 7, 2025.
Thrilling Comeback Captivates Hoops Dome Crowd
The game, held at the Lapu-Lapu City Hoops Dome, attracted a substantial audience that included prominent political figure Congressman Junard "Ahong" Chan. While the Heroes delivered excitement throughout the contest, they truly shone during the final four minutes, executing a remarkable scoring surge that ultimately decided the outcome.
Veteran guards Shaquille Imperial and Mac Tallo joined forces with big men Kint Ariar and Junel Bonganciso during this crucial period, creating an unstoppable offensive combination that overwhelmed the Cebu Greats defense.
Cebu Greats' Early Dominance Fades
Under the guidance of coach Junthy Valenzuela, the Cebu Greats initially appeared to control the game's tempo. The team established what seemed to be a comfortable advantage when Dondon Hontiveros and Joseph Terso began connecting consistently from beyond the arc.
Their three-point shooting prowess helped build a significant 60-48 lead early in the third quarter, suggesting the Heroes might struggle to recover. However, the momentum shifted dramatically as Lapu-Lapu City mounted an impressive 26-14 scoring run that tied the game at 74-all.
The turning point came when Abad broke the deadlock with two successful free throws, followed by a crucial three-pointer that extended their lead to 82-74. Although Hontiveros responded with a four-point play that narrowed the gap to 80-82, this proved to be the Cebu Greats' final significant offensive effort as the Heroes regained control to seal their victory.
Future Games and Community Impact
The Cebu Greats faced additional challenges as key players Jun Manzo, JR Quiñahan, and Reeve Ugsang were unavailable for various reasons. Despite the loss, team manager Jhon Santos expressed immense satisfaction with the enthusiastic reception from Cebu-based basketball fans.
"Yes, if that's the way to make the fans happy and bring the team closer to them, even though the team is resting during the off-season, we will find a way," Santos stated, indicating the team's willingness to accept future invitations, particularly within Cebu, when scheduling permits.
Santos acknowledged the possibility of organizing additional Cebu Greats games at the Hoops Dome, encouraged by the overwhelming community support. Meanwhile, Lapu-Lapu City Sports Commission chair Vince Chan Carunggay praised the Cebu Greats for accepting their invitation and delivering an exceptional performance that met all expectations.
The exhibition match not only provided thrilling basketball entertainment but also strengthened the connection between the teams and their dedicated supporters, potentially paving the way for future collaborations and games in the region.
