 |
| Jason Brickman outscored the entire Pangasinan squad in the second quarter to spark Abra's Game 1 rout in the MPBL North Finals. MPBL |
BANGUED--Abra Solid North turned hot in the second quarter and proceeded to subdue Pangasinan, 77-58, on Wednesday in Game One of the 747. LIVE presents Manny Pacquiao MPBL 2025 Season North Division Finals at the people-packed Gov. Andres B. Bernos Memorial Gym.
Trailing, 10-11, after the first quarter, the Abra Weavers leaned on Jason Brickman to pull away, 34-17, at the break and never let the Pangasinan Heatwaves reduce the margin to a single digit.
Brickman, celebrating his 34th birthday, pumped in 12 of his team-high 15 points in that span, outscoring the entire Heatwaves, who turned cold with just six points.
The 6-foot Brickman, a former US NCAA assists leader, added 5 assists, 4 rebounds and 2 steals to earn best player honors over Dave Ildefonso, who settled for 11 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists.
Geo Chiu contributed 9 points, seven in the fourth quarter, and 6 rebounds, John Uduba 9 points and 2 rebounds, and Mike Ayonayon 9 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists for the Weavers, who extended their MPBL record winning streak to 31, including 26 in the elimination round.
With Raven Gonzales joining the scoring fray, the Weavers led by as far as 47-19 early in the third quarter.
Pangasinan drew 18 points, 3 rebounds and 2 steals from Vic Manuel, but no other Heatwave scored in twin digits, with JP Maguliano contributing 9 points.
Hesed Gabo was held to 3 points, Jorey Napoles 1 and Alyn Bulanadi went scoreless.
The Games and Amusements Board (GAB) conducted random drug testing among the players of the two teams before the game started.
Game 2 will be held on Friday at the same venue.
Pangasinan hosts Game 3 on November 27. If necessary, Game 4 will also be held in Pangasinan.
If the series extends to Game 5, it will return to Bangued.
