Athletics Dominate Cowboys in Season Opener

MPBL Batangas City Tanduay Athletics kicked off their campaign with a convincing 82-68 victory over the Ilagan Isabela Five Star Cowboys on Saturday at the Batangas City Coliseum.

The Athletics controlled the game through their inside dominance, winning the rebounding battle 54-42 and outscoring the Cowboys in the paint, 44-26, while also capitalizing on second-chance points. Batangas also had the upper hand from beyond the arc, hitting 8-of-27 three-pointers (29.6 percent), while Ilagan Isabela managed only 3-of-21 (14.3 percent).

Jhan Nermal led the way for Batangas, finishing with 20 points and 8 rebounds, earning Player of the Game honors. Ino Comboy contributed 14 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Ced Ablaza added 10 points and 6 rebounds. Kraniel Viloria also played a key role with 9 points and 5 rebounds.

The Cowboys mounted a brief challenge with a 13-point run, during which Arth Dela Cruz helped them take a 33-32 lead. However, Nermal responded with a crucial layup at the 2:28 mark, allowing Batangas to regain control and cruise to the win.

Dela Cruz led Ilagan Isabela with 27 points, 14 rebounds, and 3 assists, while Kyle Paranada added 9 points, 6 assists, and 3 rebounds. Veteran Alex Cabagnot finished with 4 points, 6 assists, and 4 rebounds in the losing effort.