For three straight games, the Ilagan Isabela Cowboys are now beginning to show their potential as a legitimate playoff contender.
The Cowboys improved their win-loss record to 10-8 as they are now making a solid push halfway in the elimination round.
Since tinkering their roster with key acquisitions, the Cowboys have started winning with Agem Miranda emerging as one of the most consistent performers from the new additions. Against Bacolod, which Ilagan Isabela beat soundly, 99-73, the athletic wingman pumped in 14 points while dishing out four assists.
Another newcomer, Jerie Pingoy, immediately made his presence felt as he poured in 15 markers making all but one of his six attempts from the field.
Following their latest win, the Cowboys had solidified their hold of the eighth spot in the northern division of the tournament, but they are just half a game behind Pasay.
With Miranda, Pingoy, Donald Gumaru, Terrence Tumalip and Jayboy Solis adding depth to the squad, Ilagan Isabela is putting itself in a solid position to vie for a playoff spot as the team still has a chance to develop more cohesion as the tournament progresses.
For now, indications are clear that the team is peaking at the right time following the timely acquisitions it made when the league opened free agency.
MPBL commissioner Kenneth Duremdes shared the wisdom behind the trading period and free agency is to allow lower-seeded squads to bolster their chances by getting additional players — and the Cowboys are one of those who have benefitted from it.
“Most of these teams are trying to make their line ups better. Doon ako nai-excite,” said Duremdes. “I’m also excited for those players na bumabalik, players na hindi pa natin masyadong nakikita noon but are performing well now. That makes this league special. Yung iba hindi naman kilala, pero nagpapakitang gilas rin.”
