Abra Dominates Caloocan to Take Game 1 of MPBL North Semifinals
The top-seeded Abra Solid North Weavers continued their blazing run in the MPBL 2025 Playoffs, dismantling the Caloocan Batang Kankaloo, 80–54, in Game 1 of the North Division semifinals on Tuesday night at the Gov. Andres B. Bernos Memorial Gymnasium in Bangued, Abra.
Fueled by another balanced team effort and an explosive start, Abra extended their incredible winning streak to 29 straight games, including 26 consecutive wins in the elimination round and a 2-0 quarterfinal sweep over the Ilagan Isabela Cowboys.
Abra’s Strong Start Sets the Tone
The Weavers wasted no time asserting dominance on their home court. Behind Raven Gonzales, Jason Brickman, and Dave Ildefonso, Abra stormed out of the gate with a 10–0 run, highlighted by Gonzales’ inside scoring, a Brickman layup, and an Ildefonso three-pointer.
By the end of the first quarter, the Weavers were firmly in control with a 22–14 lead. Caloocan managed to hold ground in the second period as both teams scored 16 apiece, but Abra still entered halftime ahead, 38–30.
The Weavers ramped up the pressure in the third quarter, tightening their defense and limiting Caloocan to just 10 points, while dropping 23 of their own to widen the gap. They continued to dominate the fourth quarter, pulling away for a commanding 80–54 victory.
Brickman Leads Balanced Abra Attack
It was Brickman’s turn to lead the charge for Abra, finishing with 13 points, five assists, and three rebounds to earn Player of the Game honors.
He got plenty of support from a stacked lineup:
- Encho Serrano tallied 11 points, six rebounds, three assists, and three steals.
- Raven Gonzales contributed 11 points, eight rebounds, and two blocks.
- Dave Ildefonso stuffed the stat sheet with 10 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and two steals.
- Geo Chiu delivered a solid double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds, along with three assists and two blocks.
The Weavers’ depth once again proved too much for Caloocan, who struggled to match their energy and execution throughout the contest.
Team Stats: Abra’s All-Around Dominance
Abra displayed efficiency on both ends of the floor, shooting 43% (29/66) from the field compared to Caloocan’s 30% (23/76). The Weavers also dominated from the free-throw line, converting 15-of-29 (51%), while Caloocan managed just 2-of-13 (15%).
Abra outrebounded Caloocan 58–45, and moved the ball well with 26 assists against 17. They also had advantages in steals (10–9) and points off turnovers (19–9).
Although Caloocan tallied more blocks (10–5), Abra’s superior ball movement and defensive discipline kept the Batang Kankaloo from mounting any serious comeback.
One Win Away from the North Division Finals
With the victory, the Abra Solid North Weavers are now just one win away from advancing to their first-ever North Division Finals.
They’ll look to close out the series when they face Caloocan Batang Kankaloo again on Friday, November 7, at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
The Scores:
Abra 80 – Brickman 13, Gonzales 11, Serrano 11, Ildefonso 10, Chiu 10, Taywan 9, Batino 6, Ayonayon 3, David 3, Lee 3, Uduba 1, Mendoza 0, Gonzales 0.
Caloocan 54 – Manday 14, Bitoon 12, Calahat 7, Matias 7, Palencia 7, Bonsubre 5, Barcuma 2, Cabanag 0, Enriquez 0, Manlangit 0, Laude 0, Casin-Hg 0, Cervantes 0, Tayongtong 0.
Quarter Scores: 22-14, 38-30, 61-40, 80-54.
