On the heels of their 74-71 win over a hard-fighting Bataan Risers, the Ilagan Isabela Cowboys were overjoyed by their latest feat of making it to the MPBL playoffs as a first time participant in the pro league.
But the Cowboys felt they cannot celebrate for long as they have a tougher task at hand facing the Abra Weavers, the No.1 seed in the northern division.
The Cowboys and the Weavers clash on Friday in Bangued, Abra.
Cowboys head coach Louie Gonzalez paid tribute to the effort shown by his team, which pulled off a huge win despite missing in the latter stretch ace player Art dela Cruz, who injured his ankle after a landing on the foot of Raffy Octobre.
Octobre, a grizzled veteran center, was whistled for a disqualifying foul.
“Ang pinakamahirap kalaban yung hindi sumusuko, hindi yung pinakamagaling and that’s one thing that has helped us para makuha yung panalo na ito. We play the No.1 seed on October 10. Kung paano ninyo nakita lumaban ang mga players, kaming mga coaches, we’re going to prepare them well. Gusto nating magbigay ng magandang laban. First year natin dito sa MPBL, and it’s a big bonus that we entered the playoffs as well. It’s our job to give our best for Ilagan City,” said Gonzalez.
Team owner Jeao Diaz was likewise pleased with the resiliency displayed by the Cowboys even as the entire city is now relishing playoff atmosphere.
“Hindi nila kayang tibagin ang puso ng Ilagan Isabela Cowboys. Magandang welcome sa Ilagan City Isabela ito. We’re now experiencing playoff atmosphere,” added Diaz.
His younger brother, provincial board member EJay Diaz, couldn’t help but admire the performance of the Cowboys and was happy to see the fans coming out in full force in this all-important game.
“Ang ganda ng game natin. At least nakuha natin itong panalo na ito. We were able to get that win here at our homecourt. We’re very happy with the support of the Cowboys nation, mga Ilaguenos, na nanood at sumuporta. Pinaghirapan ng Cowboys na makuha itong panalo na ito, to earn our spot sa playoffs,” he added.
