Amid struggles of putting away Davao Occidental, Ilagan Isabela turned to Mark Dyke and Donald Gumaru for crucuial baskets down the stretch as the Cowboys got back on the win column following an 88-73 triumph over the Tigers in the MPBL 2025 Season at the Villar Coliseum in Las Pinas on Saturday night.
Dyke delivered 20 points, including crucial mid-range jumpers that helped quell a late uprising from the Tigers. But the stocky forward’s resilliency on both ends of the court also made him even more efficient when he pulled down 16 rebounds for a double-double performance.
Gumaru, on the other hand, contributed 17 markers.
Another player who completed a double-double game was Arth dela Cruz, who ended up with 11 markers on top of 11 assists, In fact, the second generation cager flirted with a triple-double showing, falling a rebound short of achieving it.
Agem Miranda and Allan Santos each produced 10 points for the Cowboys, who bounced back strong from their previous loss against the San Juan Knights and bolstered their chances for a playoff berth. Ilagan Isabela improved its win-loss record to 12-9.
Pangasinan demolished Quezon City, 91-77, to solidify its chances of staying in the upper bracket ahead of the playoffs.
The Heatwaves worked extra hard on the defensive end, scoring 21 points coming off turnovers and completing 26 fast break points.
Pangasinan’s depth was also in full display as it produced more points from its second unjt, 45, nine more than its counterpart.
Allyn Bulanadi led the Heatwaves’ balance production with 16 markers, including four three-point shots, while Vic Manuela and Jorey Napoles each tallied 13 points, while Michael Mabulac added 11.
