Abra rules North, makes MPBL finale

Abra overpowered Pangasinan, 99-74, to clinch the North Division crown via a sweep in the 747. LIVE presents Manny Pacquiao Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) 2025 Season at the Robert B. Estrella Memorial Gymnasium in Rosales, Pangasinan on Thursday.

Abra also prevailed in Game 1 77-58, and Game 2, 66-59, both held in Bangued, Abra, and cut short the best-of-five series.

The Weavers, drawing firepower from top gunner Dave Ildefonso, Encho Serrano and Raven Gonzales, extended their MPBL record winning streak to 33, including 26 in the elimination round and two-game sweeps of Ilagan Isabela in the quarterfinal round and Caloocan in the semifinals.

Ildefonso, the pacesetter in the Most Valuable Player race, posted 18 points and 14 rebounds to clinch the Best Player honors. Gonzales supported with 16 points and three rebounds, Marwin Taywan with 13 points, seven assists and two rebounds, Serrano with 12 points, three rebounds and two assists, and Jason Brickman with 10 points, seven assists and three rebounds.

Abra led by as far as 99-70 before cruising to the rousing victory witnessed by hundreds of Abrenos and team owners Cong. JB Bernos and Ching Bernos.

MPBL commissioner Kenneth Duremdes awarded the championship trophy to Bernos and the Abra coaching staff headed by Yong Gonzales.

Pangasinan got 10 points each from Alyn Bulanadi and Jay Collado.

The Heatwaves climbed to within 44-46, only to be met by a nine-point Weavers cluster, capped by an Ildefonso breakaway slam and a long triple by Jason Brickman, that sparked their strong finishing kick.

Despite the lopsided defeat, the Heatwaves have overachieved this season, shocking second-seed Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards in the quarterfinals and the third-ranked San Juan Knights in the semifinals.