THE Abra Weavers tightened their grip on the MPBL North Division title hunt after grinding out a 66-59 victory over the Pangasinan Heatwaves in Game 2 of the finals on November 21 at the University of Bangued Gymnasium.

Both squads traded early baskets with Vic Manuel, Michael Mabulac, and Allyn Bulanadi combining for eight points to steady Pangasinan. Abra’s backcourt duo of Mike Ayon-Ayon and Encho Serrano matched the effort with nine points, forcing a 16-all deadlock after one quarter.

Pangasinan’s offense sputtered in the second frame, converting only five of 16 attempts. Abra capitalized, drawing strength from the inside attacks of Raven Gonzales and the steady midrange game of Dave Ildefonso to secure a 34-30 halftime lead.

The Heatwaves attempted a third-quarter surge behind Manuel’s post plays, but the Weavers countered with a blistering 10-0 run powered by veteran Mark Yee’s perimeter shooting to erect a 49-38 cushion.

Down by nine entering the final minutes, Pangasinan leaned on Jorey Napoles, who drilled three straight triples to pull his team within 56-62. But Abra slammed the door shut as Gonzales and Ayon-Ayon delivered clutch inside baskets to preserve the win and push the Weavers to a commanding 2-0 advantage in the best-of-five series.

Ayon-Ayon led Abra with 12 points, while Gonzales and Ildefonso added 11 apiece. Napoles paced the Heatwaves with 14 points and six rebounds, followed by Mike DiGregorio with 11.

“We’ll refocus, make adjustments, and win the remaining games at home,” Pangasinan coach Jeron Cabiltes vowed after the match. (Kim Gealogo)