Abra subdues Rizal; Nueva Ecija thwarts Parañaque

MANILA, Philippines — Abra hit its stride in the fourth quarter and subdued Rizal Xentromall, 74-63, late Saturday to share the spotlight with Nueva Ecija in the MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Sixth Season’s at the packed Gov. Andres B. Bernos Memorial Gymansium at the University of Abra in Bangued.

The Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards thwarted the Parañaque Patriots, 90-79, earlier to remain unbeaten after 11 starts and join the Quezon Huskers at the helm in the elimination phase of the 29-team tournament that played in the landlocked Northern Luzon province for the first time.

Trailing, 58-59, the Abra Weavers poured 14 points behind Roi Sumang while limiting the Golden Coolers to just two to break away and tally their fifth straight victory that put them in a tie with their victims at 8-5.

Sumang delivered eight points, including two triples, in that decisive run and finished with 16 points, nine rebounds, five assist and two steals to earn best player honors.

Playing their first game for the Weavers, Mark Yee and Joseph Sedurifa delivered. Yee tallied 10 points, 11 rebounds plus three assists while Sedurifa notched 13 points, three rebounds plus two steals. Jeepy Faundo contributed nine points, six rebounds, three blocks and two steals for coach Yong Garcia’s Abra team.

The Golden Coolers got 17 points, seven rebounds, four assists and three steals from Alwyn Alday and 13 points, four rebounds and five assists from Kraniel Viloria.