Warriors Surge Past Cowboys, Share MPBL Lead

Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) The Gensan Warriors staged a late-game rally to defeat the Ilagan Isabela Cowboys, 91-83, on Thursday at the Novadeci Sports Complex in Novaliches, Quezon City, moving into a tie for the top spot in the MPBL 2026 Season.

After conceding three straight three-pointers that put the Cowboys ahead, 83-82, with 1:23 remaining, the Warriors responded with the game’s final nine points. Hesed Gabo sparked and sealed the decisive run with two clutch free throws, extending Gensan’s winning streak to seven games and catching up with the Caloocan Batang Kankaloo.

Marwin Dionisio led Gensan with 25 points, including eight in the last 2:23, along with eight rebounds and two assists. Gabo finished with 17 points, 10 assists, and four rebounds, while Anton Eusebio added 13 points, five rebounds, and two steals. Mark Cruz contributed 11 points, including three triples.

For the Cowboys, now 5-2, Donald Gumaru posted 17 points, four rebounds, and four assists; Arth Dela Cruz had 13 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds; JP Cauilan added 14 points; Joshua Guiab 12; and Alex Cabagnot tallied 10 points, four rebounds, and three assists.

In the nightcap, the Valenzuela City Darkhorse rallied from an early 13-27 deficit to beat the Quezon City Black Bulls, 90-83, tying their opponents at 4-3 in the round-robin elimination of the two-division, 28-team tournament.

Valenzuela took control at 37-29 and never looked back, led by Val Chauca and JR Olegario, who each scored 19 points. Chauca also contributed seven rebounds, six assists, and two steals, edging Olegario for best player honors. Olegario added five rebounds and two steals.

Supporting the duo were Lester Reyes with 12 points and 10 rebounds, and Angelo Obuyes with 11 points, two rebounds, and two steals.

For Quezon City, Kobe Monje led with 18 points and five rebounds, Pat Buena added 15 points and two assists, and Ryan Costelo posted 12 points, seven assists, and two steals.