Defending champs Abra rewrite MPBL history with record-breaking blowout

3 days ago

The defending champion Abra Solid North Weavers delivered a performance for the record books on Monday, overwhelming the Bacolod Maskarras, 129-45, to post the largest winning margin in MPBL history at One Arena Cainta.

Fueled by a career-best 40-point explosion from reigning MVP Dave Ildefonso and a relentless team effort, Abra turned the matchup into a one-sided affair from the opening tip, winning by 84 points to erase the league record previously held by the San Juan Knights' 82-point victory over Mindoro in 2022.

The dominant triumph lifted the Weavers to a league-leading 15-1 record, allowing them to overtake San Juan (14-1) for the top spot in the standings.

Ildefonso spearheaded the rout with 40 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and four steals to earn Best Player of the Game honors. Raven Gonzales anchored the interior with 19 points, 20 rebounds, two assists, and two blocks.

"We're really trying to prove that we're the team to beat," Ildefonso said after the game, emphasizing that the team's convincing win outweighed his personal milestone.

Abra's balanced attack also featured 13 points from Nico Elorde and Alfred Batino, while Tucker Molina, Josh Asuncion, and John Figueroa each scored 10.

The Weavers dominated statistically across the board, winning the rebounding battle 65-36 while piling up a 70-10 advantage in points in the paint, a 19-2 edge in second-chance points, and a commanding 38-4 margin in fast-break scoring. Bacolod managed just 45 points—its lowest output of the season—as it fell to 3-18.

Desmond Price scored 12 points for the Maskarras, while Emman Galman added 11 and Rafael Go contributed a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds.

Earlier, the Ilagan Isabela Cowboys strengthened their hold on fourth place in the North Division by beating the Marikina Shoemasters, 97-85.

JP Cauilan paced Ilagan with 16 points, Allen Mina scored 14, and Arth Dela Cruz finished with 13. Alex Cabagnot added 11 points and seven assists, while Robby Celiz filled the stat sheet with 10 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and three blocks.

The Cowboys established control with a 13-4 opening run and maintained the lead throughout, improving to 12-6 and keeping pace with North Division frontrunners Abra, San Juan, and Caloocan.

Marikina dropped to 7-12 despite 15 points from Jeepy Faundo, while Regie Boy Basibas and John Jordan Sta. Ana each finished with 14 points.