Abra Solid North endured anxious moments before nipping Binan Tatak Gel, 73-70, in overtime on Wednesday and regaining the solo lead in Group A of the 2026 MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Preseason Invitational at the Alonte Sports Arena in Binan, Laguna.
John Uduba completed a three-point play in the homestretch while Dave Ildefonso canned two charities with 0.8 seconds left to seal the Abra Weavers’ sixth straight win in the elimination phase of the two-group, 18-team event preceding the MPBL Eighth Season.
The Weavers moved past the Batangas City Tanduay Rum Masters, who battered the Sarangani 10ACT Marlins, 106-78, in the opener for a 5-0 record.
Abra, the MPBL Seventh Season national champion, trailed Binan, 68-70, with 1 minute and 7 seconds left, following a short jumper by Michael Mabulac.
Ildefonso, the reigning league MVP, then missed a drive, but Uduba came to the rescue, grabbing the rebound, scoring on the follow-up, drawing a foul, and converting the accompanying free throw with 49.7 seconds left.
Playing for 38 minutes and 22 seconds, Ildefonso posted 18 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals to clinch best player honors over Raven Gonzales, who notched 14 points, 14 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 blocks.
Other Weavers who delivered were Encho Serrano with 12 points and 5 assists, Uduba with 8 points and 6 rebounds, and Nico Elorde with 7 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals.
With Abra ahead, 60-55, Pasay’s Pamboy Raymundo drilled in a triple and Carlo Lastimosa recovered the loose ball after being blanked and scored on a short jumper to forge overtime at 60-60.
Led by Jhan Nermal, Batangas broke off from a 17-17 count after the first quarter to pull away at halftime, 46-31.
Nermal, who had stints with Bulacan, Bacoor and Pampanga, poured in nine of his 20 points in that breakaway second quarter and went on to earn best player honors with 10 rebounds and 2 assists.
The Gensan Warriors found their bearing in the last five minutes to beat the Mindoro Tamaraws, 74-67, in the second game and level their record to 2-2.
