DJ Fenner made an immediate impact in his Abra Solid North debut, powering the Weavers to a dominant 115-81 victory over the Parañaque Patriots as they opened their MPBL title defense on Tuesday at the Caloocan Sports Complex.
The 32-year-old Filipino-American guard, who played Division I basketball for the University of Nevada before competing across Europe, tallied 18 points on 8-of-15 shooting, along with eight rebounds, five assists, two steals, and one block in just 22 minutes.
Abra cruised to a commanding win, with all but one Weaver scoring in the game.
Raven Gonzales added 16 points on an efficient 8-of-9 shooting, along with five rebounds and three blocks. Reigning MVP Dave Ildefonso contributed 13 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, while Drex Delos Reyes chipped in 15 points and five rebounds in the lopsided win.
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In the earlier match, last season’s runners-up Quezon Province opened their campaign with a 66-59 victory over Biñan.
The Huskers led by as many as 58-48 midway through the fourth quarter and controlled the game for 34 minutes and 25 seconds, signaling their intent to contend again for the South Division and the MPBL national crown.
New acquisition Cyrus Tabi drilled a clutch three-pointer with 1:44 remaining to give Quezon a 66-57 cushion, helping seal Biñan Tatak Gel’s second loss in three games in the round-robin elimination phase of the two-division, 18-team tournament.
Tabi, stepping into the role left by L-Jay Gonzales, finished with 11 points, including three triples, eight assists, and four rebounds.
Michael Canete posted 14 points and four rebounds, Will McAloney had 12 points and seven rebounds, Judel Fuentes added 11 points and two rebounds, and rookie Ced Manzano contributed seven points and five rebounds for the Huskers.
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Nic Cabanero, former University of Santo Tomas standout, led Biñan with 16 points—eight coming in the fourth quarter—along with six rebounds and two assists. Pamboy Raymundo finished with 13 points, four rebounds, and two assists, while Kenny Roger Rocacurva added 12 points and seven rebounds.
For Parañaque, Ryusei Koga led with 16 points, Marlon Monte added 14 points and eight rebounds, and Jomar Santos chipped in 10 points and five rebounds, while Alvin Pasaol was limited to nine points on nine shot attempts.
The tournament shifts to the Pasay Astrodome on Wednesday, featuring Meycauayan against Quezon City at 4 p.m., Batangas facing Cebu at 6 p.m., and Basilan taking on Pasay at 8 p.m.
