Cometa powers Basilan with triple-double in comeback win over Sarangani

Tiger Scores365

Gab Cometa did it all as Basilan Steel came alive after halftime to turn back Sarangani 10ACT, 93-86, on Tuesday in the MPBL 2026 Season at the Orion Sports Complex in Bataan.

After trailing by double digits in the opening quarter, the Steel regrouped behind Cometa's all-around brilliance and a dominant defensive effort to secure their ninth victory in 19 games.

The former San Beda standout finished with a triple-double of 10 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists, adding two steals in a masterful floor game that helped spark Basilan's turnaround.

"We stepped up in the point guard position," Cometa said of the team's improved play after the break.

Mark Montuano, recently acquired from Mindoro, caught fire in the final period by scoring 10 of his 18 points to seal the victory. He also grabbed six rebounds, while Jan Jamon chipped in 16 points and Ralph Robin delivered 15 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two steals.

Basilan's defense proved decisive in the second half. The Steel opened the third quarter with an 8-0 run, with Robin and Cometa scoring four points each to transform a narrow halftime edge into a comfortable 48-41 lead before eventually stretching the margin to 17 points.

Sarangani had the stronger start, storming to a 20-8 advantage, but Basilan steadily erased the deficit and entered halftime down by just one after Robin drilled a three-pointer in the closing seconds of the second quarter.

The Marlins slipped to 3-16 despite an 18-point, seven-rebound effort from Leland Estacio. Andrei Duremdes added a double-double of 12 points and 12 rebounds with six assists, while Carl Bryan Lacap and Alex Desoyo contributed 12 and 11 points, respectively.

The MPBL heads to the Malolos Convention Center on Wednesday for a triple-header featuring Negros against Pasay, Meycauayan versus Pasig, and Bulacan taking on Quezon Province.