Abra Solid North edged Quezon, 62-58, on Saturday to close in on the 747. LIVE presents Manny Pacquiao MPBL 2025 Season National championship, Saturday at the Gov. Andres B. Bernos Memorial Gym in Bangued, Abra.
Facing a tough challenge from the Huskers, the North Division champion Weavers leaned on Dave Ildefonso, Jason Brickman, and John Uduba in the fourth quarter to move within one win of sweeping the best-of-five series.
Abra had also pulled off a thrilling escape in Game One, winning 81-80 in overtime on Thursday.
Ildefonso, the current MVP race leader, finished with 14 points, 13 rebounds, and 2 assists to earn best player honors.
Brickman added 14 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists, while Uduba contributed 8 points and 7 rebounds.
Marwin Taywan chipped in 8 points and 2 assists, and Ryan Batino had 7 points and 3 rebounds for the Weavers.
For Quezon, the South Division champion, L-Jay Gonzales led the way with 15 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals.
Alfrancis Tamsi added 9 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists, while Ximone Sandagon and Christian Pagaran each scored 8 points.
The Weavers extended their record-winning streak to 35 games, including eight in the playoffs.
In the third quarter, Pagaran drove in to tie the game at 43, but Batino hit three of four free throws, and Taywan knocked down a triple to give Abra a 48-43 lead.
Earlier, Gonzales had scored the last five points of the first quarter to tie the game at 14-all.
Abra then outscored Quezon 7-0 to go up 23-19, but Pagaran’s two triples and Gonzales’ basket and free throw tied the game 28-28 at halftime.
The contest remained close throughout, with 20 lead changes, eight ties, and neither team holding a double-digit advantage.
The Weavers aim to sweep the Finals in Game Three on Tuesday at the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena City.
If necessary, Game Four will also be held at the same venue and time.
