Agem Miranda scored the game’s last seven points and lifted the Muntinlupa Cagers past the Ilagan Isabela Cowboys, 75-73, on Thursday, March 12, in the 2026 MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Preseason Invitational at the One Arena Cainta in Rizal Province.
Shining against his former team, Miranda tallied 25 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists to earn best player honors as Muntinlupa ended its stint in Group B of the 18-team event preceding the MPBL Eighth Season with a 4-4 slate.
Shawn Argente and Robin Nayve supported Miranda in the tight game marked by 15 lead changes and 9 ties with 11 and 10 points, respectively.
The Cowboys, hampered by their poor shooting from afar, converting only 6 of 26 triple tries, exited with a 3-5 card despite Arth Dela Cruz’s 22 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists, and Pedrito Galanza’s 19 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists.
Biñan Tatak Gel routed Bacolod Maskarra, 128-74, in the first game and boosted its playoff drive.
The Lagunenses led from the start and never eased up, finishing the Group A elimination phase with a 5-3 record, tying the Mindoro Tamaraws and moving ahead of the Gensan Warriors (5-2) in the race for the third and last playoff slot in the nine-team group.
Powerhouse Abra Solid North took the top spot and an outright semifinal berth with a 7-0 record, while Batangas also advanced with a 6-2 card.
Biñan’s Bam Lopez posted 18 points, 4 assists and 3 rebounds, while recruit Nic Cabanero tallied 17 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists to clinch best player honors. Jeymark Mallari also delivered with 16 points, 4 assists and 2 rebounds, and so did Jopet Soriano with 12 points and 8 rebounds.
Bacolod, which tumbled to 1-6, got 20 points, 3 assists and 2 rebounds from Rev Diputado, 11 points and 2 rebounds from Jameson Hiro, and 10 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists from Jeremy Cruz.
The Preseason continues at the same venue on Saturday, with games pitting Bacolod against Bataan at 3 p.m., Pasay against Zamboanga at 5 p.m., and Abra against Gensan at 7 p.m.
