MPBL PLAYOFFS: Ron Dennison dons hero’s cape, lifts Cebu over Batangas

Sports

RON Dennison sank a booming triple in the final 10.7 seconds that lifted the Cebu Greats to a huge 78-77 upset over the Batangas City Tanduay Athletics in Game 1 of their best-of-three quarterfinal series in the South Division of the MPBL 2026 Season at the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena City on Wednesday night, Oct. 7.

The fifth-ranked Cebu will try to wrap up the series when it faces the same Batangas squad in Game 2 on Wednesday, Oct. 14, at the Batangas City Coliseum.

Dennison saved Cebu from a huge endgame meltdown when it wasted a 65-75 lead with only 3:28 left. Batangas rallied behind a hot 12-0 attack that put them ahead, 77-75, with 22 seconds to go.

Dennison saved the Greats from the jaws of defeat, dropping a corner triple that gave them the lead back. Batangas came up empty in the next play and sent Dennis to the free throw line with 2.9 seconds remaining.

After missing the first free throw, Dennison intentionally fumbled the second gift shot, denying Batangas a decent attempt as time ran out.

Jun Manzo marked his return to the Greats with a 21- point output to go with three steals and two assists. Mark Meneses put in 14 points, 10 rebounds, and two assists while Dennison piled up 11 points, four assists, three rebounds and two steals.

Dhon Reverente dumped 11 points, nine rebounds, and three assists in the win.

Rhinwil Yambing paced Batangas with 23 points built on five triples.(CCM)