ILAGAN, ISABELA — Finally, the Ilagan Isabela Cowboys were able to achieve a breakthrough moment in their young franchise history.
The newest member of the MPBL family scored their biggest win so far, an 82-75 triumph over former league champion Batangas City-Tanduay Rum Masters on Saturday here at the Capital Arena.
Arth Dela Cruz churned out yet another double-double performance just as expected while hometown hero Allen Mina also stepped up big.
Dela Cruz had a 20-point, 10-rebound output as the league’s leading rebounder worked double time on both ends of the floor.
Mina, who lives in a nearby town from this province, added 15 markers to go along with six assists.
But the two former PBA players were not the only ones who carried the fight for Ilagan Isabela, which atoned from last week’s 83-90 loss at home against General Santos City Warriors, allowing the team to make its way back to the .500 win-loss mark.
Joshua Guiab and JR Oligario both came off the bench and produced the much needed support as the two combined for 25 points.
It was one of those rare times Ilagan beat a highly-fancied opponent in points coming off the bench. Against the Rum Masters, the Cowboys outscored their more experienced rivals, 39-31.
“Ang laking bagay nito, especially nakuha namin ito ng sama-sama,” said Ilagan Isabela coach Louie Gonzalez. “I was able to utilize all my 15 players and everybody did their share.”
