ILAGAN, ISABELA COWBOYS MAKE HISTORY, CLINCH MPBL PLAYOFF BERTH IN MAIDEN SEASON AFTER THRILLING WIN OVER BATAAN RISERS
CITY OF ILAGAN, ISABELA — In a thrilling, down-to-the-wire encounter that had fans on their feet until the final buzzer, the Ilagan Isabela Five Star Cowboys made history by clinching a playoff berth in their maiden season in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) after outlasting the Bataan Risers, 74–71, in a high-stakes play-in duel at the Capital Arena on October 8, 2025.
The Cowboys came out firing from the opening tip, setting the tone early with crisp ball movement and hot shooting from beyond the arc. Hometown hero Donald Gumaru, a proud son of Alinguigan 2nd, City of Ilagan, sparked the early surge with timely three-pointers that electrified the crowd. Ilagan built a commanding 15-point lead, 28–13, early in the second quarter.
However, the Risers refused to fold. Bataan capitalized on Ilagan’s foul troubles and stormed back with a momentum-shifting 18–0 run, erasing the deficit and taking a 31–28 lead before the half ended in a 36-all deadlock.
The intensity carried into the third quarter as both teams traded baskets and defensive stops. Ilagan’s Art Dela Cruz took charge during this stretch, scoring 12 points in the quarter alone, keeping the Cowboys afloat. But his efforts were cut short after Raffy Octobre committed a disqualifying foul late in the third period, leading to Dela Cruz’s early exit — a major blow to Ilagan’s interior presence.
The Cowboys’ frontcourt woes deepened when Allan Santos later fouled out, leaving Ilagan vulnerable inside. Bataan’s John Lorenz Capulong took full advantage, dominating the paint with effective interior offense that kept the Risers within striking distance.
With 39 seconds left, the game stood on a knife’s edge at 69-all, setting up a nail-biting finish. In the closing moments, Ilagan’s composure under pressure made the difference as they capitalized on fouls drawn by Agem Miranda and Josh Guiab, converting crucial free throws that gave them just enough cushion to hold off the Risers’ final push, ending the game 74-71 making the Capital Arena erupt in celebration.
Leading the charge for Ilagan was Donald Gumaru, who finished with 19 points, 3 assists, and 3 rebounds, along with key defensive stops that swung the game’s momentum. His veteran leadership and clutch play earned him Most Valuable Player honors, sealing his place as a key player of Ilagan’s historic playoff-clinching win.
In a postgame interview, Game’s Best Player Donald Gumaru and Head Coach Louie Gonzales expressed their gratitude to the passionate Ilagueño crowd for their unwavering support throughout the season. They also extended their thanks to team owner Jose Avelino Diaz, as well as Mayor Josemarie L. Diaz and Governor Rodito T. Albano III, whose steadfast backing made the team’s playoff berth in their maiden MPBL season possible.
With momentum on their side, the Ilagan Isabela Five Star Cowboys now turn their focus to the first round of the playoffs, where they will face Dave Ildefonso and the top-seeded Abra Solid North Weavers in what promises to be another thrilling battle.
