Heroes extend winning streak to 12 after rout of Cowboys

Biñan Tatak Gel erupted in the second half to overwhelm Ilagan Isabela, 90-69, on Friday in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) 2026 Season at the Batangas City Coliseum.

Powered by Nic Cabanero, Carlo Lastimosa, and Renzo Subido, the Heroes outscored the Cowboys, 54-25, over the final two quarters to secure their 12th consecutive victory and improve to 15-3 in the round-robin elimination phase of the 27-team, two-division tournament.

The win moved Biñan past Gensan (14-3) into third place in the South Division standings, behind Batangas City (14-2) and Quezon Province (13-2).

Cabanero, a former University of Santo Tomas standout, earned Best Player of the Game honors after finishing with 22 points, three assists, and three steals. Subido contributed 15 points, including two three-pointers, while Lastimosa added 13 markers.

Known for his slashing ability, Cabanero connected on four of his five attempts from beyond the arc and credited his improved outside shooting to consistent practice and the confidence shown by his coaches and teammates.

"They want me to develop my shooting and not rely solely on my drives," said Cabanero, who also expressed confidence that Biñan can contend with the league's top teams with a few adjustments.

Michael Mabulac chipped in 12 points and eight rebounds as the Heroes dominated the boards, 43-28, and outscored the Cowboys, 54-26, in points in the paint.

Biñan trailed 44-36 at halftime after Ilagan Isabela closed the second quarter with a 9-0 run, highlighted by five points from MJ Ayaay.

The Heroes responded with a dominant second-half performance, taking control on both ends of the floor to pull away for the convincing victory.

Ilagan Isabela dropped to 12-7 despite 14 points from Allen Mina, 12 points, five assists, and four rebounds from Arth Dela Cruz, and 11 points, five rebounds, and three assists from Robby Celiz.

The game also saw both teams lose key figures to ejections. Cowboys head coach Louie Gonzalez was thrown out after picking up his second technical foul with 6:12 remaining and Ilagan trailing 76-57. Just 32 seconds later, Biñan veteran Marc Pingris was also ejected after being assessed his second technical foul.

The MPBL resumes Saturday at the Orion Sports Complex, where Pasig faces Cebu at 3 p.m., Imus takes on Marikina at 5 p.m., and Negros meets host Bataan at 7 p.m.