Abra stuns Pangasinan in clash of MPBL newcomers

Mac Tallo scored the dagger three for Abra. MPBL

By Ivan Saldajeno

CALASIAO--Mac Tallo showed his clutch genes in the endgame as Abra froze Pangasinan on the road with an 83-75 win in the battle between the MPBL's new teams on Saturday night at the Calasiao Sports Complex.

With a sold-out crowd in attendance rooting for the Heatwaves, Tallo silenced the fans when he hit a tough three with 41.3 seconds left that upped the Weavers' lead to six, 81-75, just when the home side looked to be closing in on a comeback.

Tonton Bringas then stole the ball from Hesed Gabo which led to Felipe Chavez's breakaway layup that completely shut down Pangasinan.

Tallo finished with 14 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, and two steals to lead Abra, while John Lloyd Clemente added 12 points, four rebounds, and one assist off the bench even as he went on an 8-0 run on his own to give his team the lead for good within the last four minutes of the game.

Gabo's 26-point blast at home for Pangasinan alongside four rebounds, five assists, and one steal came up short as in a rare occurrence, a Jerson Cabiltes-coached team began its season with a loss.

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