Ildefonso delivers again as Weavers extend streak to 16

Tiger Scores365

When the game tightened in the closing minutes, Dave Ildefonso once again showed why he's the reigning MPBL Most Valuable Player.

Ildefonso scored seven of Abra Solid North's final nine points, lifting the defending champions to a hard-fought 74-71 victory over the Bataan Risers on Thursday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

The win stretched the Weavers' winning streak to 16 games and improved their league-best record to 18-1, keeping them firmly on top of the North Division standings ahead of Caloocan and San Juan, both at 17-2.

With DJ Fenner and Tucker Molina sidelined, Ildefonso shouldered the offensive load, playing all but 44 seconds and finishing with 29 points, seven assists, four rebounds, and four steals.

"I always strive to stay in shape, stay ready," Ildefonso said. "Hats off to Bataan. They gave us a run for our money."

Bataan still had one final chance to send the game into overtime, but Migs Corteza's corner jumper missed with 6.6 seconds remaining before Mike Ayonayon secured the rebound to seal the victory.

Ayonayon complemented Ildefonso with 15 points, including nine consecutive markers that helped Abra establish a 58-44 lead entering the fourth quarter. Raven Gonzales anchored the interior with eight points, 11 rebounds, and two blocks, while Shaun Ildefonso contributed five points, 12 rebounds, four assists, and three steals.

Hubert Cani led the Risers with 19 points on five three-pointers, while Yves Sazon added 10. Chris Javier and Corteza chipped in nine points each as Bataan slipped to 8-12.

In the nightcap, Basilan Steel escaped with a dramatic 75-74 victory over Parañaque.

After surrendering a late lead, Basilan found its hero in Jervy Cruz, who knocked down two pressure-packed free throws with 12.6 seconds left. The Patriots still had a chance to steal the win, but James Mangahas missed at the buzzer.

The victory improved Basilan to 11-11, creating a tie for eighth place in the South Division.

Veteran John Wilson paced the Steel with 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Byron Villarias scored 13 points. Mark Montuano and Cruz added 10 points each, with Cruz delivering the game's defining moment from the free-throw line.

Parañaque, meanwhile, wasted another strong performance from Jomar Santos, who produced 24 points and 13 rebounds. Marlon Monte added 22 points, six rebounds, and six assists, but the Patriots dropped to 2-21 on the season.