Dela Cruz delivers clutch takeover as Cowboys hold off Gems

08-10 02:57

When the game tightened, Ilagan Isabela turned to its veteran leader — and Arth Dela Cruz delivered.

The former San Beda standout erupted in the fourth quarter, scoring 10 crucial points to guide the Ilagan Isabela Cowboys past the Meycauayan Marilao Gems, 80-73, on Saturday in the MPBL 2026 Season at The Capital Arena in Ilagan, Isabela.

Dela Cruz provided the finishing touch in a hard-fought battle, scoring four of Ilagan’s final five points to prevent Meycauayan from completing a late comeback and secure another important victory in the North Division playoff race.

The 6-foot-4 forward finished with a game-high 27 points, 13 rebounds, and five assists, earning Player of the Game honors while collecting his 11th double-double of the season.

"This (win) is for Ilagan. Big game for us because top 4 is our target," Dela Cruz said.

The Cowboys improved to 13-7 and remained firmly in fourth place in the North Division behind league contenders Abra Solid North, Caloocan, and San Juan. The result also gave them breathing room against chasing teams Pasay and Meycauayan in the battle for homecourt advantage in the quarterfinal playoffs.

Ilagan looked ready to pull away early in the final period when Dela Cruz and Allen Mina knocked down back-to-back three-pointers to create a 65-56 cushion.

But the Gems refused to go quietly.

Agem Miranda and Shawn Argente sparked Meycauyan’s rally, cutting the gap to just one point at 69-68 and putting pressure on the Cowboys in the closing stretch.

Dela Cruz and company responded with composure, making the necessary plays to close out the victory.

With the playoffs approaching, the Cowboys continue to build momentum — and Dela Cruz remains at the center of their push for a top-four finish.