Abra Solid North climbed out of a deep hole to edge Quezon, 81-80, in overtime and take Game One 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 8-point run, Abra rallied for nine points — five by Mike Ayonayon — to pull off the nail-biter that thrilled an overflow crowd and 120,000 live viewers.
The Weavers had also battled back from a 59-69 deficit to force overtime at 72-all, thanks to back-to-back completed 3-point plays by John Uduba. Quezon nearly clinched the win 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, along with five rebounds and six assists.
He was followed by Dave Ildefonso, who contributed 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 added 10 points and seven rebounds.
For Quezon, Christian Pagaran tallied 20 points, five rebounds, and five steals. Ljay Gonzales added 18 points, seven rebounds, and five assists, while Ximone Sandagon posted 12 points and four rebounds.
Joseph Gabayni contributed seven points with 10 rebounds.
A triple by Marwin Taywan put Abra ahead, 54-53, after three quarters.
The Huskers had led most of the first half until the Weavers scored 12 unanswered points — the first eight by Ildefonso and the last four by Raven Gonzales — to seize control at 31-28.
Gabayni and Vince Magbuhos combined for five points to push Quezon back on top at the half, 33-31.
Game Two will take place at the same time and venue on Saturday.
The best-of-five series then moves to the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena City on Tuesday.
