Figueroa Shines in Debut as Abra Solid North Rout Imus

Defending champion Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Abra Solid North made a statement with the debut of standout recruit Jake Figueroa, cruising to a commanding 113-75 victory over Imus on Wednesday at the Caloocan Sports Complex.

The 6-foot-3 forward, fresh off graduating from National University and a brief four-month stint with KBL’s Ulsan Hyundai Mobis, showcased an efficient all-around performance with 14 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 assists in just 16 minutes and 22 seconds, helping the Weavers secure their fourth win in five games during the round-robin elimination phase of the 28-team, two-division tournament.

Figueroa earned Best Player of the Game honors, outshining teammates Kascius Small-Martin, who had 15 points, 6 assists, and 2 steals; Drex Delos Reyes, with 14 points, 4 blocks, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists; Shaun Ildefonso, contributing 12 points and 2 rebounds; and homegrown guard Jay Yutuc, who added 10 points, 3 steals, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists.

Abra dominated from start to finish, extending their largest lead to 99-53 in the fourth quarter. The win keeps the Weavers among the top contenders in the standings, chasing unbeaten leaders Caloocan Batang Kankaloo (6-0), GenSan Warriors (6-0), Quezon Huskers (4-0), and Ilagan Isabela Cowboys (5-1), while also remaining tied with the San Juan Knights in the playoff race.

The Weavers set the tone early, opening with a 28-10 lead before going on an 18-3 run to stretch the margin to 46-13. Shaun Ildefonso spearheaded the surge with 10 points during that stretch, stepping up in the absence of his injured younger brother Dave, the reigning MPBL MVP.

Abra also played without several key players, including Raven Gonzales, DJ Fenner, and Tucker Molina, who were not listed on the submitted roster.

Imus fell to 2-5, led by Ralph Robin with 14 points, 3 assists, and 2 rebounds; Eroll Soriano with 12 points and 4 rebounds; and Janjan Salazar, who contributed 12 points, 3 assists, and 2 steals.