Weavers shoot for 2-0 lead

Tested to the hilt in Game 1, the Abra Solid North Weavers seek a more convincing win over the San Juan Knights in Game 2 of their SportsPlus Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League 2026 Season North Division Finals on Monday at the Gov. Andres Bernos Memorial Gymnasium in Bangued, Abra

The defending champion Weavers leaned on Dave Ildefonso's follow-up of his own miss with 15.4 seconds left to nip the Knights, 59-58, Saturday in the opener of their best-of-five title series.

The Weavers would not want to be in a scary situation again, and are expected to bear down on the Knights early to pull away and rev up their drive for a 2-0 lead.

To do that, Ildefonso, DJ Fenner, Jake Figueroa, Mike Ayonayon, Raven Gonzales, Tucker Molina, Encho Serrano, John Uduba and Nico Elorde must score more and tighten up defensively.

Drex Delos Reyes will again pose matchup problems because of his 6-foot-8 height and bulk.

JD Cagulangan, the Korean Basketball League Rookie of the Year, was fielded briefly in Game 1 and could be used again to boost the Weavers' backcourt.

The Knights have proven they are no pushovers, despite not using skipper Orlan Wamar in Game 1 due to a sprain.

San Juan will bank on Harold Alarcon, Mike Calisaan, Patrick Sleat, Royce Alforque, Dexter Maiquez, Reynel Hugnatan and AC Soberano in their bid to level the series.

James Kwekuteye is expected to bounce back from a scoreless outing and help the Knights' cause.

The Knights also need to improve on their free-throw shooting, sinking only 7-of-21 tries in Game 1, and neutralize the taller Weavers off both boards.