Cabagnot, Cowboys pull away late to sink Yangkees

The Ilagan Isabela Cowboys outgunned the Imus Yangkees, 92-75, on Saturday in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) 2026 Season at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

Powered by veteran recruit Alex Cabagnot, the Cowboys pulled away in the final stretch, using a decisive late run to secure their second win in three games in the round-robin elimination phase of the 28-team, two-division tournament.

Cabagnot led the way with 18 points, four assists, and two rebounds, earning Best Player of the Game honors over skipper Art Dela Cruz, who tallied 17 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists.

Despite the lopsided final score, the Yangkees kept the contest close deep into the fourth quarter, cutting the deficit to 67-70 after a 7–0 run sparked by a Jaypee Belencion triple.

Donald Gumaru, however, halted the rally with five straight points, before JP Cauilan drilled a triple to push Ilagan Isabela’s lead back to double digits, 78-67, with 6:10 remaining.

Gumaru finished with 12 points, four assists, and three rebounds, while Cauilan added 13 points, highlighted by three triples, along with four rebounds and two assists.

Imus dropped to 1-2 despite solid efforts from Ralph Robin (18 points, four rebounds), Janjan Salazar (15 points, five assists, four rebounds), Eroll Soriano (14 points, five rebounds, two blocks), and Joseph Mark Marquez (13 points, four rebounds).

The Cowboys dominated the boards, 43-36, and converted that advantage into a commanding 42-24 edge in points in the paint.

The MPBL heads to the San Jose Del Monte Sports Complex on Monday, featuring Cebu against Basilan at 4 p.m., Batangas versus Abra at 6 p.m., and Caloocan against Meycauayan Marilao at 8 p.m.