Manila, Abra boost stocks in MPBL elims

MANILA, Philippines — Manila continued its climb while Abra recovered its foothold in the MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Sixth Season last Monday at the San Andres Sports Complex in Manila.

The Manila SV Batang Sampaloc Stars thwarted the South Cotabato Warriors, 85-80, while the Abra Weavers subdued the Batangas City Tanduay Rum Masters, 84-70, in the round-robin elimination phase of the 29-team tournament.

Powered by the tandem of 7-footer Greg Slaughter and the 5-foot-8 Enzo Navarro, Manila led by as far as 63-42 but needed to ward off South Cotabato’s final assault to tally its seventh straight win and rise to 12-4.

The Warriors slipped to 11-5.

Abra, with six Weavers thriving on offense, pulled away at 75-57 en route to a 9-6 slate.

The Iloilo United Royals rode on the hot hands of CJ Cansino to rout the Bulacan Kuyas, 92-67, in the opener.

Cansino poured 21 of his game-high 30 points, spiked by seven triples, in the first half, pushing the Royals ahead, 45-35, en route to a 6-9 card.

The 6-foot-2 former University of the Philippines star added nine rebounds to clinch Best Player honors.