Abra sets MPBL record with 84-point rout of Bacolod

Defending champion Abra Solid North rewrote the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) record books on Monday after dismantling the Bacolod Maskarras, 129-45, at One Arena Cainta in Rizal.

Behind a career-high 40 points from reigning MVP Dave Ildefonso and balanced scoring from six other players in double figures, the Weavers rolled to an 84-point victory—the largest winning margin in league history. The previous record was an 82-point win by San Juan over Mindoro, 146-64, on Sept. 13, 2022.

The victory improved Abra's league-best record to 15-1 in the round-robin eliminations and moved the defending champions ahead of San Juan (14-1) atop the standings.

Ildefonso added eight rebounds, five assists, and four steals to earn Best Player of the Game honors. Raven Gonzales also turned in a dominant effort with 19 points, 20 rebounds, two assists, and two blocks.

"We're really trying to prove that we're the team to beat," Ildefonso said, adding that the team victory mattered more than his individual numbers.

Abra also received 13 points each from Nico Elorde and Alfred Batino, while Tucker Molina, Josh Asuncion, and John Figueroa chipped in 10 points apiece.

The Weavers controlled every facet of the game, outrebounding Bacolod, 65-36, while owning a 70-10 advantage in points in the paint, a 19-2 edge in second-chance points, and a 38-4 margin in fast-break scoring. The Maskarras were held to a season-low 45 points as they slipped to 3-18.

Desmond Price paced Bacolod with 12 points, while Emman Galman added 11. Rafael Go finished with 10 points and 12 rebounds.

In the second game, the Ilagan Isabela Cowboys defeated the Marikina Shoemasters, 97-85, to improve to 12-6 and solidify fourth place in the North Division.

JP Cauilan led the Cowboys with 16 points and four rebounds, Allen Mina added 14 points, while Arth Dela Cruz scored 13. Veteran Alex Cabagnot contributed 11 points and seven assists, and Robby Celiz posted 10 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and three blocks.

Ilagan seized control early with a 13-4 start and never looked back, remaining within striking distance of league leaders Abra, San Juan, and Caloocan.

Jeepy Faundo led Marikina, now 7-12, with 15 points. Regie Boy Basibas recorded 14 points and 10 rebounds, while John Jordan Sta. Ana also scored 14.

MPBL action continues Tuesday at the Orion Sports Complex with Basilan facing Sarangani at 4 p.m., Manila taking on Rizal at 6 p.m., and Bataan meeting Parañaque at 8 p.m.