Warriors Extend Streak, Weavers Dominate as MPBL Standings Tighten

The race for positioning in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) 2026 Season continued to intensify on Friday at Paco Arena in Manila, with Gensan climbing into a share of the league lead and Abra Solid North strengthening its hold among the tournament’s top contenders.

The Gensan Warriors stretched their winning run to 10 games after turning back the Cebu Greats, 91-80, in the main game. The victory lifted Gensan into a tie with the Caloocan Batang Kankaloo at the top of the standings in the round-robin elimination phase of the 28-team competition.

In the nightcap, the Abra Weavers displayed their depth and firepower in a convincing 114-77 demolition of Manila Batang Quiapo. Improving to 7-1, Abra moved ahead of the San Juan Knights (6-1) and remained in pursuit of the undefeated Quezon Huskers (7-0).

Anton Eusebio sparked Gensan’s decisive push, scoring nine of his 15 points in the fourth quarter as the Warriors regained momentum after Cebu briefly seized a 69-67 advantage with a six-point burst.

The 6-foot-5 former College of St. Benilde standout also tallied 11 rebounds and three assists. Joshua Fontanilla led all Gensan scorers with 17 points, along with three rebounds and two steals.

Marwin Dionisio posted a double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds to go with two assists, while Mark Cruz added 12 points and five assists. Kris Porter chipped in 13 points, Adi Santos collected 14 rebounds with five points, and Hesed Gabo orchestrated the offense with eight points and 11 assists.

Cebu slipped to 7-3 despite solid performances from Mark Meneses, who registered 17 points and six rebounds, Brian Heruela, who contributed 12 points, seven assists, five rebounds, and four steals, and Paul Desiderio, who added 10 points, two rebounds, and two assists.

Abra, meanwhile, received significant contributions from its local core as the Weavers overwhelmed Manila from start to finish.

Will Kean Lee led the balanced attack with 17 points, four assists, and two rebounds. Harley Baldo added 15 points, four rebounds, and three assists, while Jay Yutoc contributed eight points, 13 rebounds, and two assists. Joshua Asuncion finished with seven points, seven rebounds, two assists, and two steals, while Redel Fabro chipped in six points and six rebounds.

The Weavers’ depth was on full display as all 15 players who entered the game found their way onto the scoring sheet. Leading the reserves was 6-foot-8 Drex Delos Reyes, who recorded a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds.

Manila dropped to 1-9 despite a standout effort from Mark Doligon, who poured in 31 points while adding seven rebounds and four assists. Joe Gomez de Liano provided support with 13 points and five rebounds.

Earlier in the day, the Valenzuela City Darkhorse edged the Paranaque Patriots, 76-72, to even their record at 5-5.

Angelo Obuyes scored nine of his 16 points in the fourth quarter, while JR Olegario contributed six of his game-high 20 points in the final period as Valenzuela restored a double-digit lead late in the contest.

Paranaque mounted a final rally behind consecutive three-pointers from Domark Matillano but could not avoid an 11th straight defeat.

Olegario finished with 20 points, eight rebounds, four steals, and two assists. Jay Collado added 17 points, nine rebounds, and five assists, while Obuyes contributed 16 points and three rebounds. Shaq Alanes chipped in 11 points, four assists, three rebounds, and two steals.

The MPBL action shifts to the Orion Sports Complex on Saturday, where Pasay takes on Quezon City at 4 p.m., San Juan faces Basilan at 6 p.m., and Bataan squares off against Rizal at 8 p.m.