Abra advances; San Juan stays alive

The Abra Solid North Weavers cruised to the North Division finals while the San Juan Knights get back on track in the 747. LIVE Manny Pacquiao presents Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League 2025 Season at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Asserting its superiority, Abra repeated over the Caloocan Batang Kankaloo, 74-62, in the opener to sweep their semifinal series and extend its league record to 30 straight victories.

The Knights exacted revenge over the Pangasinan Heatwaves, 83-66, in the second game to level their series at 1-1 and force sudden death for the right to meet the Weavers in the best-of-five North Finals.

Their ego bruised by the Heatwaves’ 67-57 victory in Game 1, the Knights stormed ahead after three quarters, 69-36, and were never threatened to gain momentum in the decider set at 7 p.m. on Thursday at the Flying V FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

Atoning for his so-so outing in Game 1, Orlan Wamar tallied 24 points, laced by four triples, six rebounds and four assists for the Knights. JC Cullar contributed 12 points, four rebounds and three assists, while AC Soberano, Dexter Maiquez, Arvin Gamboa and Nikko Panganiban supported with nine points each.

Pangasinan got 11 points from Alyn Bulanadi and 10 each from JP Maguliano and Michael Mabulac.