By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The Ilagan Isabela Cowboys cruised to a dominant 107-90 victory over Bacolod Masskara in the 2026 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Season at the Pasay Astrodome over the weekend.

The win improved the Cowboys’ record to 10-6, while Masskara slipped further to 3-15.

Arthur dela Cruz paced Ilagan with a double-double of 16 points and 12 rebounds, along with two assists.

Robby Celiz added 14 points, seven rebounds and four assists, while Mer Jesper Ayaay and Allen Mina chipped in 11 points apiece.

The Cowboys gradually pulled away before blowing the game wide open in the fourth quarter, building a commanding 96-69 advantage midway through the final period en route to the 17-point triumph.

Although Bacolod shot better from beyond the arc, converting 11 of its 20 three-point attempts, Ilagan controlled the game inside the paint with 32 two-point field goals compared to Masskara’s 19.

The Cowboys also displayed better ball movement, finishing with 33 assists against Bacolod’s 21.

Desmond Price carried the scoring load for Masskara with a game-high 39 points, along with four rebounds and two steals.

Jeremy Monton contributed 10 points, four rebounds and three assists in the losing effort./ASC, WDJ