Cebu edges Bulacan in OT thriller as Ilagan Isabela extends win streak to four

The Cebu Greats and Ilagan Isabela Cowboys kept their strong runs going in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) 2026 Season on Tuesday at the Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan, Laguna.

Cebu outlasted the Bulacan Kuyas in a tense overtime finish, 85–80, while Ilagan Isabela dominated the Parañaque Patriots, 104–79.

Wowie Escosio delivered in crunch time, scoring six key points in overtime, while Ice Hontiveros secured a crucial rebound before finishing the decisive basket that lifted Cebu to its fourth straight win and an 11–3 record.

Escosio finished with 14 points, nine rebounds, and three steals to earn Best Player of the Game honors, edging out teammates Alfrancis Tamsi, who also had 14 points along with three rebounds, two assists, and two steals, and Dhon Reverente, who posted 11 points, 14 rebounds, and two assists.

Other contributors included Mark Meneses with eight points, eight rebounds, three assists, and three blocks; Simon Camacho with six points and 10 rebounds; and Hontiveros, who added seven points and six rebounds.

Cebu nearly won in regulation, but Alvin Baetiong missed two close-range attempts in the final 3.5 seconds, allowing Bulacan to force overtime tied at 76-all.

Bulacan dropped to 4–9 despite strong outings from Jeremy Cruz (17 points, 10 rebounds), Joshua Moralejo (16 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three steals), and Airohn Acop (16 points and three assists).

In the second game, Ilagan Isabela took control early and built a lead as large as 31 points, 102–71, en route to its fourth consecutive victory and a 9–5 record.

JP Cauilan paced the Cowboys with 17 points, while Arth Dela Cruz added 14. Don Gumaru, Allen Mina, and Gabe Capacio each contributed nine points.

Parañaque fell to 1–15, with Marlon Monte providing the lone bright spot after finishing with 27 points and six rebounds.