Defending champion Abra Solid North made an immediate impact with the debut of prized recruit Jake Figueroa, cruising to a dominant 113-75 win over Imus on Wednesday at the Caloocan Sports Complex.
The 6-foot-3 forward, who graduated from National University before having a four-month stint with KBL’s Ulsan Hyundai Mobis, delivered an efficient all-around performance of 14 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 assists in just 16 minutes and 22 seconds.
His performance powered the Weavers to their fourth win in five outings in the round-robin elimination phase of the two-division, 28-team tournament.
Figueroa was named Best Player of the Game, edging teammates Kascius Small-Martin, who had 15 points, 6 assists, and 2 steals; Drex Delos Reyes, with 14 points, 4 blocks, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists; Shaun Ildefonso, who added 12 points and 2 rebounds; and homegrown guard Jay Yutuc, who chipped in 10 points, 3 steals, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists.
The Weavers were in full control throughout, stretching their biggest lead to 99-53 in the fourth quarter.
The victory keeps Abra in the upper tier of the standings, chasing unbeaten leaders Caloocan Batang Kankaloo (6-0), GenSan Warriors (6-0), Quezon Huskers (4-0), and Ilagan Isabela Cowboys (5-1), while also tied with the San Juan Knights in the playoff race.
Abra set the tone early, leading 28-10 before blowing the game open with an 18-3 run to go up 46-13.
Shaun Ildefonso sparked the surge with 10 points in that stretch, stepping up in the absence of his injured younger brother Dave, the reigning MPBL MVP.
The Weavers also played without several key names, including Raven Gonzales, DJ Fenner, and Tucker Molina, who were not included in the submitted roster.
Imus, which dropped to 2-5, was led by Ralph Robin with 14 points, 3 assists, and 2 rebounds; Eroll Soriano with 12 points and 4 rebounds; and Janjan Salazar, who also finished with 12 points, 3 assists, and 2 steals.
