There’s a new sherif in the MPBL block this season — and that’s the Abra Weavers.
The Weavers scratched a mark at the previously unblemished record of the Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards as they came out like conquerors in their 82-71 triumph on Saturday in the MPBL 2025 Season at the Nueva Ecija Coliseum in Palayan City, Nueva Ecija.
Dave Ildefonso, who is fast emerging as the new face of the league, proved more than he’s just a pretty face, but more vicious inside the playing court with his solid, all-around game as he finished with 25 points and 11 rebounds to lead the charge for the Weavers, who now vaulted their way on top of the standings with an 18-1 record.
The Solid North-backed squad now carries the same record with Nueva Ecija, whose 18-game winning streak has just been snapped by a more determined rival from the northern side.
Ildefonso’s do-it-all mentality also helped him to complete four steals, but his effort on both ends of the court was supplemented by the solid support of backcourt partners Marvin Taywan and Enchi Serrano.
Taywan contributed 15 markers, including a crucial trey down the stretch, that helped stave off an uprising by the Rice Vanguards. Serrano added 10 markers,
San Juan, Rizal prevail over rivals
Earlier, the San Juan Knights trounced Quezon City Galeries Taipans, 92-68.
Led by Dexter Maiquez, the Knights led as far as 66-38 and cruised to their ninth straight win, catching up with the Abra Solid North Weavers at 17-1 and trailing only the Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards (18-0) in the round-robin elimination phase of the 30-team tournament.
Maiquez posted 20 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists to earn best player honors over AC Soberano with 11 points and 4 rebounds, Nikko Panganiban with 11 points, and Reynel Hugnatan with 10 points and 5 rebounds.
Rizal outlasted Pasig, 94-88, to complete the winning squads.
