The Abra Weavers relied on timely endgame hits to prevail over the Pangasinan Heatwaves in a battle among the league newcomers in the MPBL 2024 season on late Saturday night at the Calasiao Sports Complex in Pangasinan.
Down 70-71 with over four minutes left, John Lloyd Clemente stepped up for the Weavers with two outside connections and a two-pointer for a 78-71 advantage with two minutes left.
The Heatwaves rallied to within 75-78 on back-to-back baskets from Hesed Gabo and Ian Melencio, but the Weavers responded with a triple from Mark Tallo and a fastbreak layup from Felipe Chavez to secure the win.
Tallo finished with 14 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists; Clemente chipped in 12 markers; and Prince Caperal contributed 10 markers for the Weavers.
“Talagang pinagpraktisan namin itong laban na ito kasi we really wanted the first win kasi nga bagong team kami and credit din sa mga teammates ko dahil sa depensa nila all game long,” Tallo said.
“Kudos din sa coaches namin kasi every time na nagstruggle kami, lagi nila kami pinapa-cool down and gumagawa ng adjustments, ‘yung opensa naman kasi namin madali lang so dun kami sa depensa nag adjust,” he added.
Gabo finished with 26 points to lead the Heatwaves, while Melencio and Michael Mabulac contributed 12 and 10 markers, respectively.
The post Abra prevails over Pangasinan in battle of MPBL newcomers first appeared on Fastbreak.
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