Abra Sweeps Caloocan to Reach MPBL North Division Finals
The Abra Solid North Weavers continued their dominant run in the MPBL 2025 Playoffs, holding off a gritty challenge from the Caloocan Batang Kankaloo for a 74–62 Game 2 victory on Friday night to complete a series sweep and clinch their first-ever North Division Finals appearance.
With the win, the top-seeded Weavers extended their record-breaking winning streak to 30 straight games, further cementing their status as the league’s hottest team this season.
Brickman Leads the Way as Abra Stays Unstoppable
Fil-Am playmaker Jason Brickman took center stage, dropping 18 points on four triples, along with five assists and three rebounds, earning Best Player of the Game honors. His timely baskets proved crucial as Abra fended off multiple Caloocan rallies.
Teammates Dave Ildefonso and Encho Serrano continued to anchor Abra’s offense, scoring 14 and 12 points, respectively. Ildefonso also contributed nine rebounds, five assists, and two steals, while Serrano added seven boards and three assists.
Alfred Batino came off the bench with 11 points and six rebounds, and Geo Chiu posted seven points and 12 rebounds, helping Abra dominate the paint and outrebound Caloocan 53–40.
Weavers Withstand Caloocan’s Spirited Comeback
Unlike their 80–54 blowout win in Game 1, the Weavers had to work harder in Game 2. Caloocan, despite missing key players Reil Cervantes (suspension) and Paul Sanga (injury), fought with heart and kept the game close early.
The Batang Kankaloo trimmed the deficit to 34–38 late in the second quarter after a layup from Jeff Manday, but Brickman answered with a clutch three-pointer before Chiu added a two-pointer to give Abra a 43–34 halftime lead.
Caloocan continued to threaten in the second half cutting the gap to 58–67 in the fourth period after a triple by Manday. But Brickman responded once again — sinking an and-one play to seal the game and quiet the Caloocan crowd.
Team Stats: Abra Controls the Boards
Abra shot 40% (24/59) from the field, while Caloocan managed 33% (25/75). The Weavers capitalized on their size and hustle, winning the rebounding battle (53–40) and scoring 17 second-chance points compared to Caloocan’s eight.
Caloocan had slight advantages in assists (22–19), steals (10–5), and blocks (7–6) but struggled to convert opportunities, especially without their key frontcourt contributors. Abra also committed 18 turnovers, which Caloocan turned into 18 points, though it wasn’t enough to overcome the Weavers’ depth and balance.
Caloocan’s Effort Falls Short
Caloocan’s offense was led by Jeramer Cabanag, Manday, and Leo James Ingles, who each tallied nine points. However, the Batang Kankaloo’s depleted roster struggled to sustain their momentum, especially in the final quarter.
Abra Eyes First MPBL North Division Crown
With the sweep, the Abra Solid North Weavers advance to their first-ever North Division Finals, where they will face the winner of the Pangasinan Heatwaves vs. San Juan Knights series.
Brickman’s resurgence, combined with Abra’s depth and discipline, makes them a strong contender to capture the MPBL 2025 National Championship.
The Scores:
Abra 74 – Brickman 18, Ildefonso 14, Serrano 12, Batino 11, Chiu 7, Uduba 7, Ayonayon 5, Mendoza 0, Taywan 0, David 0, Gonzales 0, Lee 0, Yee 0.
Caloocan 62 – Cabanag 9, Ingles 9, Manday 9, Manlangit 8, Calahat 7, Matias 6, Bitoon 5, Barcuma 4, Bonsubre 3, Palencia 2, Laude 0, Flores 0, Tayongtong 0.
Quarter Scores: 24-14, 43-34, 59-47, 74-62.
