Dela Cruz powers Cowboys past Gems, strengthens top-four push

Arth Dela Cruz delivered a dominant performance as the Ilagan Isabela Cowboys defeated the Meycauayan Marilao Gems, 80-73, on Saturday to strengthen their hold on fourth place in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) 2026 Season at The Capital Arena in Ilagan, Isabela.

Dela Cruz took over in the fourth quarter, scoring 10 points, including four of Ilagan’s final five markers, to help the Cowboys improve to 13-7 in the round-robin elimination phase of the 26-team, two-division tournament.

The victory kept Ilagan ahead in the North Division playoff race, trailing only Abra Solid North (18-1), Caloocan (17-2), and San Juan (15-2). The Cowboys remain ahead of Pasay (11-9) and Meycauayan (11-10) as teams battle for the top four spots that provide homecourt advantage in the quarterfinals.

The 6-foot-4 Dela Cruz, a former San Beda Red Lions standout, finished with 27 points, 13 rebounds, and five assists to earn Player of the Game honors. He recorded his 11th double-double of the season.

"This (win) is for Ilagan. Big game for us because top 4 is our target," Dela Cruz said.

Robby Celiz added 11 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists, while MJ Ayaay contributed 11 points, five rebounds, and three assists.

Ilagan appeared to take control early in the fourth quarter after consecutive three-pointers from Dela Cruz and Allen Mina gave the Cowboys a 65-56 advantage.

However, Meycauayan responded behind Agem Miranda and Shawn Argente, cutting the deficit to 69-68 and threatening to complete the comeback.

The Cowboys held firm in the closing minutes to secure the victory and maintain their position among the North Division’s top teams.