Abra edges Quezon in overtime to draw first blood in MPBL finals

MANILA, Philippines, December 13 ------ The Abra Solid North Weavers climbed out of a deep hole to nip the Quezon Huskers, 81-80, in overtime and take Game 1 of the 747 Live presents Manny Pacquiao MPBL 2025 Season National Finals at the Gov. Andres Bernos Memorial Gymnasium in Bangued, Abra.

Trailing 72-80 as Quezon opened the extension period with an eight-point run, Abra bunched nine points, five by Mike Ayonayon, to pull off the squeaker that lured an overflow crowd and watched by 120,000 live viewers. The Weavers also rallied from a 59-69 deficit to force overtime at 72-all behind back-to-back completed 3-point plays by John Uduba.

Quezon could have won outright, but Christian Pagaran's triple failed to beat the shot clock. Jason Brickman led Abra to a record 34th straight win with 15 points, including three triples, five rebounds and six assists, followed by Dave Ildefonso with 13 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals; and Encho Serrano with 11 points, four rebounds and three assists. Ayonayon finished with 10 points, four rebounds and two assists, while Geo Chiu posted 10 points and seven rebounds. Quezon drew 20 points, five rebounds and five steals from Christian Pagaran; 18 points, seven rebounds and five assists from Ljay Gonzales, 12 points plus four rebounds from Ximone Sandagon, and seven points plus 10 rebounds from Joseph Gabayni.

A triple by Marwin Taywan put Abra ahead, 54-53, after three quarters. The Huskers led most of the first half, until the Weavers clustered 12 points, the first eight by Dave Ildefonso and the last four by Raven Gonzales, to seize control, 31-28. Joseph Gabayni and Vince Magbuhos, however, combined for five points to push Quezon back on top at the half, 33-31.

The best-of-five series heads to the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena City on Tuesday, December 16.

Source: philstar.com