MANILA – Basilan Starhorse Viva Portmasters leaned on the endgame heroics of Alex Cabagnot to score a 67-61 win over Ilagan Isabela Cowboys in the 2025 MPBL Season on Monday night at the Orion Sports Complex in Bataan.
With the Cowboys threatening late in the game, Cabagnot converted a crucial reverse layup, followed by a tough jumper from Emman Calo to create a much-needed separation for the Portmasters.
Cabagnot finished with 19 points, six rebounds and three assists, while Calo delivered 18 points and seven rebounds as Basilan secured their 13th win in 24 games and strengthen their hold of the eighth seed in the South Division.
Reymar Caduyac added 11 points and four assists, Arwind Santos contributed 15 rebounds, four points and three blocks, and Gab Dagangon chipped in nine points and six rebounds.
The loss dropped the Cowboys to 13-12, though they remained eighth in the North Division. Agem Miranda paced Ilagan with 16 points, seven rebounds and three assists.
In the earlier game, Manila Batang Quiapo overcame a 16-point deficit to beat Bulacan Kuyas, 115-98, for their third win in 23 outings.
Joe Gomez De Liano led the Manilenos’ fourth-quarter surge, scoring 10 of his game-high 35 points in the payoff period. He also posted seven rebounds, three assists and two steals to earn best player honors.
Bacolodnon Alfred Sedillo added a double-double of 22 points and 10 rebounds, while Achie Inigo tallied 18 points, 10 assists and nine boards, Stephen Torralba contributed 11 points for Manila.
The Batang Quiapo dominated the final frame, outscoring the Kuyas, 38-21, to finally end their lengthy losing skid this season.
Bulacan, which fell to 3-20, got 18 points and nine rebounds from Maclean Sabellina, 15 points and eight boards from Marlon Monte, and 12 points from Airohn Acop./PN
