IT’S Abra Solid North’s turn to tackle resurgent Pangasinan when the 747. LIVE presents Manny Pacquiao MPBL 2025 Season North Division Finals begin at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday at the Gov. Andres B. Bernos Memorial Gym in Bangued, Abra.
The seventh-ranked Pangasinan Heatwaves toppled the second-seed Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards in the quarterfinal round and the third-ranked San Juan Knights in the semifinals, and hope to continue their surprising run against the top-seed Abra Weavers in the best-of-five division finals.
Abra, however, is an even more formidable rival.
Boasting a deep and potent roster, the Weavers swept the Ilagan Isabela Cowboys in the round of 8 and the Caloocan Batang Kankaloo in the round of 4 to extend their Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League record winning streak to 30.
Abra beat Pangasinan, 75-68, in the elimination round of the 30-team, two-division tournament.
Leading the Weavers are MVP race pacesetter Dave Ildefonso, gunners Encho Serrano and Mike Ayonayon, playmaker Jason Brickman and twin towers Geo Chiu and Raven Gonzales.
Other Weavers who can deliver are big men Alfred Batino and John Uduba, CJ Austria, Jayson Apolonio, Jolo Mendoza and Marwin Taywan.
Pangasinan is banking on Vic Manuel, Jorey Napoles, Alyn Bulanadi, Mike Digregorio, Hesed Gabo, Ian Melencio and JP Maguliano.
Game Two will also be held at the same time and venue on Friday. Pangasinan will host Game Three on November 27, and, if necessary, Game Four on November 29.
If the series goes the full route, Game Five will return to Abra on December 5.
