MPBL playoffs fire off

Larry Muyang of Pampanga.

MPBL

MANILA, Philippines — Powerhouse Abra Solid North and defending champion Pampanga are bound to take different routes when the Manny Pacquiao Presents MPBL 2025 Season begins its playoff round on Friday at the Gov. Andres B. Bernos Memorial Gymnasium in Bangued, Abra.

The Abra Weavers finished the round-robin elimination phase of the 30-team, two-division tournament with an MPBL record 26 straight wins and are solid picks over the tired and undermanned Ilagan Isabela Cowboys in the 8 p.m. encounter.

The Pampanga Giant Lanterns, a shadow of the back-to-back titlists, are expected to meet stiff resistance from the Caloocan Batang Kankaloo, who nipped them (90-87) in the elimination round, in the 6 p.m. opener.

Abra will again be led by Dave Ildefonso and Encho Serrano in its quest for its first MPBL title.

Solid support will be provided by Mike Ayonayon, John Uduba, Raven Gonzales, Marwin Taywan, Alfred Batino, Jolo Mendoza, Jayson Apolonio, Mark Yee and Geo Chiu.

The Cowboys bested the Bataan Risers, 74-71, in their do-or-die play-in game on Wednesday, but may have lost Top Gun Arth Dela Cruz to a right ankle injury in the third quarter.

Before Dela Cruz, the Cowboys survived the Risers without vital cogs Dennis Santos (hamstring injury) and Mike Dyke (mild pneumonia).

Even if Dela Cruz, Santos and Dyke managed to play, however, they won't be 100 percent, putting more pressure on Agem Miranda, Donald Gumaru, Terrence Tumalip, JR Olegario and Joshua Marcos to deliver.

Pampanga will be led by Larry Muyang, Archie Concepcion, Chris Lalata, Jhaymo Eguilos, Jhan Nermal, Raymond Binuya and John Lloyd Clemente.

Caloocan's power emanates from Jeff Manday, Jeramer Cabanag, Jojo Tayongtong, Chris Bitoon, Paul Sanga and Reil Cervantes.