Abra Weavers thrill home fans in rousing EASL debut

CEBU, Philippines — The Abra Weavers of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) made a memorable debut in the East Asia Super League, winning 79-72 over the veteran Hong Kong Eastern squad at the start of the EASL 2026-27 season on Saturday, October 3, at the SM Seaside Cebu Arena.

Buoyed by a loud home crowd, the Weavers held steady down the stretch despite the best efforts of Eastern to snatch the victory.

Hong Kong Eastern still proved to be a formidable foe, as they were able to trim the deficit down to five in the final few minutes of the fourth period.

Freddie Ibrahim proved to be a difference maker, as he hit clutch layups and timely free-throws to seal Abra’s triumphant start.

Ibrahim tied with import Jaylen Johnson for game high honors, tallying 14 points each. They also combined for eight rebounds, seven assists and two steals.

DJ Fenner added 13 points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals, Micheal Eric scored 10 points with five rebounds, two assists and two steals, while crowd favorite Dave Ildefonso contributed nine points, four rebounds and a block before fouling out in the fourth period.

“This was really important for us,” Ildefonso said. “Now we can focus properly on preparation heading into the MPBL playoffs and our next EASL games.”

For the Weavers, this was more than just a game. They wanted to prove that they belonged with the other elite squads in the EASL, and thus far, they’ve handled business.

As the MPBL playoffs are looming, the Weavers will be away from EASL action until December 9, but they will be tested immediately when they face a tough Ryukyu Golden Kings in the Okinawa Suntory Arena in Japan.

Meanwhile, the Taipei Fubon Braves kicked off their EASL Season 4 campaign on a high note, dominating the debuting Macau Hou Chon, 103-89.

Mark Todorovic recorded a double-double of 30 points and 17 rebounds, while team Captain Chou Kuei-Yu knocked down three of seven triples on his way to 27 points for the Braves. – EBV with Caecent No-ot Magsumbol and EASL reports