Mindoro Tamaraws defeated Basilan Steel 77:72 in the MPBL on 28 September, a result that keeps the hosts in seventh place after sixteen matches. To be fair, neither side arrived in the best of shape, but the home side managed to grind out the win when it mattered. The visitors sit just outside the top half, and this defeat does nothing to help their position.
Recent form tells a story of inconsistency for both camps. Mindoro had lost four of their previous five outings, including narrow defeats against Pasai Voyagers and Cebu Greats. Basilan Steel showed more volatility, bouncing back from a heavy loss to Quezon Huskers with a win over Maykaayan. Things came to a head on Sunday when the visitors brought enough fight to make it close.
By then the game was already tight, and the margin of five points says it all. Mindoro's attack found its rhythm when needed, while Basilan's defence could not hold firm in the closing stages. The away team kept their heads throughout and pushed until the final buzzer, but the home side had too much experience in these situations.
The result moves Mindoro one step closer to the playoff picture, though they still have work to do. Seven wins from sixteen leaves them mid-table, and a few more results like this will be needed to climb. Basilan Steel remain outside the top four and must find consistency if they want to challenge for a higher finish.
