Abra sweeps Pangasinan to rule MPBL North Division

MANILA, Philippines, November 29 ------ The Abra Solid North Weavers overpowered the Pangasinan Heatwaves, 99-74 to clinch the North Division crown via a sweep in the 747 Live presents Manny Pacquiao MPBL 2025 Season at the Robert B. Estrella Memorial Gymnasium in Rosales, Pangasinan. Abra also prevailed in Game 1, 77-58, and Game 2, 66-59, both held in Bangued, Abra, and cut short the best-of-five series.

The Weavers, drawing firepower from Top Gun Dave Ildefonso, Encho Serrano and Raven Gonzales, extended their MPBL record winning streak to 33, including 26 in the elimination round and two-game sweeps of Ilagan Isabela in the quarterfinal round and Caloocan in the semifinals. Ildefonso, the pacesetter in the MVP race, posted 18 points and 14 rebounds to clinch Best Player honors. Gonzales supported with 16 points and three rebounds; Marwin Taywan with 13 points, seven assists and two rebounds; Serrano with 12 points, three rebounds and two assists; and Jason Brickman with 10 points, seven assists and three rebounds.

Abra led by as far as 99-70 before cruising to the rousing victory witnessed by hundreds of Abrenos and team owners Representatives JB Bernos and Ching Bernos. MPBL Commissioner Kenneth Duremdes awarded the championship trophy to Rep. Bernos and the Abra coaching staff headed by Yong Gonzales. Pangasinan got 10 points each from Alyn Bulanadi and Jay Collado. The Heatwaves climbed to within 44-46, only to be met by a nine-point Weavers cluster, capped by an Ildefonso breakaway slam and a long triple by Jason Brickman, that sparked their strong finishing kick.

Despite the lopsided defeat, the Heatwaves have overachieved this season, shocking second-seed Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards in the Round of Eight and the third-ranked San Juan Knights in the Round of Four. Serrano and Gonzales presided over a 9-point run that pushed Abra ahead, 25-14, before Pangasinan's Bulanadi got fouled and hit all three free throws to end the first quarter. A triple by Serrano padded Abra's lead to 32-19, but Pangasinan fought back through Vic Manuel and Mike DiGregorio and narrowed the gap, 36-43, at the break.

The Weavers will meet the winner of the ongoing South Division Finals between defending champion Quezon Province and Binan Tatak Gel. Quezon took the opener, 57-55, but Binan stole Game 2, 68-65, at the Lucena Convention Center to level the series. Game 3 will be held at 7 p.m. on Monday, December 1, at the Alonte Sports Arena in Binan, Laguna.

Source: philstar.com