The Abra Solid North Weavers battered the Rizal Xentromall Golden Coolers, 89-60, on Saturday to reclaim the top spot in the North Division of the MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) 2026 Season at the Gov. Andres Bernos Memorial Gymnasium in Bangued, Abra.
Abra took control from the opening tip and never looked back. The Weavers unleashed a decisive 15-3 run, capped by back-to-back three-pointers from Shaun Ildefonso, to stretch their lead to 82-45 with 4:35 remaining and seal their 12th straight victory. The win improved Abra’s record to 14-1 in the round-robin elimination phase of the 27-team tournament.
The defending North Division and national champions overtook the San Juan Knights (13-1) for the top spot in the North while maintaining their cushion over the Caloocan Batang Kankaloo (14-2) in the race for playoff positioning.
John Uduba spearheaded a pivotal 15-point run spanning the second and third quarters, scoring eight points during the stretch as the Weavers turned a comfortable lead into a commanding 37-8 advantage.
Uduba earned Best Player of the Game honors after finishing with 15 points, eight rebounds, and two assists in just 14 minutes and seven seconds of action. Reigning MVP Dave Ildefonso added 14 points, two rebounds, and two steals, while older brother Shaun Ildefonso contributed nine points and nine rebounds.
Laurenz Victoria briefly sparked Rizal with an 11-point burst that trimmed the deficit to 48-29, but Abra quickly responded behind Uduba and the Ildefonso brothers to restore order and take a commanding 67-42 lead entering the fourth quarter.
Victoria and Billy Robles scored 11 points apiece for the Golden Coolers, who dropped to 10-6.
Before the game, Abra team owner and Congressman JB Bernos led the unveiling of the Weavers’ North Division and national championship banners from last season. Addressing the packed crowd, Bernos vowed that the team would once again contend for both titles later this year.
(C) MPBL
In the day’s first game, the Quezon Huskers showcased their defensive dominance with a 93-52 rout of the Quezon City Black Bulls.
Applying relentless pressure throughout the contest, the Huskers limited the Black Bulls to just 11 points in the second quarter and seven in the third, opening a commanding 72-29 lead en route to their first victory at the venue.
All 15 Quezon players who saw action scored at least two points as the reigning back-to-back South Division champions improved to 11-2, keeping pace with South Division leader Batangas City Tanduay Athletics (13-2).
The Huskers stifled Quezon City’s offense, holding the Black Bulls to just 15-of-70 shooting from the field (21.4 percent), including a dismal 2-of-26 from three-point range (7.7 percent).
Cedric Manzano and Lander Canon anchored Quezon’s dominance inside, helping the Huskers control the rebounding battle, 60-37, and outscore the Black Bulls, 52-18, in the paint.
Manzano, a member of the Gilas Pilipinas team that won the basketball gold medal at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, posted 11 points and 14 rebounds to earn Best Player of the Game honors. Canon added a double-double of 10 points and 11 rebounds.
Christian Pagaran also scored 11 points, while Mon Abundo chipped in 10 points, four assists, and three rebounds.
Ryan Costelo and Kobe Monje scored 16 points each for Quezon City, which slipped to 7-9.
Also present during the banner-unveiling ceremony were Congresswoman Ching Bernos and members of last season’s championship-winning Weavers, led by Dave Ildefonso.
Congressman JB Bernos also recognized the unwavering support of the Abra faithful, as well as current Weavers Raven Gonzales, Mark Ayonayon, Encho Serrano, Alfred Batino, and John Uduba, along with former Abra standouts Mark Yee and Jolo Mendoza, who now suit up for Rizal.
Bernos likewise acknowledged the team’s coaching staff, headed by Yong Garcia, and the management group led by Chris Conwi, Mike Acosta, and Waylon Nibaten.
The tournament resumes on Monday at the One Arena in Cainta, with Marikina taking on Bacolod at 4 p.m., Valenzuela facing Pasig at 6 p.m., and Imus battling Caloocan at 8 p.m.
