Ildefonso lifts Weavers past Risers for 16th straight victory

Defending champion Abra Solid North survived a determined challenge from the Bataan Risers, escaping with a 74-71 victory on Thursday in the 2026 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Season at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

Dave Ildefonso delivered in the closing moments, scoring seven of the Weavers' final nine points, including two free throws with 11.5 seconds remaining to secure Abra's 16th consecutive win.

The triumph improved the Weavers to 18-1 in the 26-team tournament's round-robin elimination phase, keeping them atop the North Division standings ahead of Caloocan (17-2) and San Juan (17-2).

Bataan had one last opportunity to force overtime, but Migs Corteza missed a corner jumper with 6.6 seconds left before Mike Ayonayon secured the defensive rebound to preserve the victory.

The reigning Most Valuable Player finished with 29 points, seven assists, four rebounds, and four steals while playing all but 44 seconds of the game with DJ Fenner and Tucker Molina unavailable.

"I always strive to stay in shape, stay ready," Ildefonso said. "Hats off to Bataan. They gave us a run for our money."

Ayonayon added 15 points, including nine straight that helped Abra build its biggest lead at 58-44 entering the fourth quarter.

Raven Gonzales contributed eight points, 11 rebounds, and two blocks, while Shaun Ildefonso recorded five points, 12 rebounds, four assists, and three steals.

Bataan dropped to 8-12 despite 19 points from Hubert Cani, who knocked down five three-pointers. Yves Sazon added 10 points, while Chris Javier and Corteza scored nine apiece.

In the second game, Basilan Steel edged Parañaque, 75-74, behind two clutch free throws from Jervy Cruz with 12.6 seconds remaining.

The victory lifted Basilan to 11-11, moving into a tie for eighth place in the South Division.

Parañaque briefly grabbed a 74-73 lead after a 6-0 run highlighted by four points from Marlon Monte, but Cruz calmly converted the decisive foul shots before James Mangahas missed a potential game-winning attempt at the buzzer.

John Wilson paced Basilan with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Byron Villarias added 13 points, Mark Montuano contributed 10 points and eight rebounds, while Cruz finished with 10 points, three rebounds, and two assists.

Jomar Santos led Parañaque with 24 points and 13 rebounds, while Monte tallied 22 points, six rebounds, and six assists as the Patriots fell to 2-21.