MANILA, Philippines — The Quezon Huskers bared their defensive prowess in a 93-52 demolition of the Quezon City Black Bulls on Saturday in the SportsPlus MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) 2026 Season at the Gov. Andres Bernos Memorial Gymnasium in Bangued, Abra.
Applying constant pressure, the Huskers held the Black Bulls to 11 points in the second quarter and seven in the third to move beyond reach, 72-29, and notch their first win at the venue.
With all 15 Huskers fielded scoring two points or more, the reigning back-to-back South division champions cruised to their 11th win against two losses and stayed within sight of pacesetter Batangas City Tanduay Athletics, 13-2, in the South division of the 27-team tournament.
The Huskers, leaving no open shots, held the Black Bulls to 15 of 70 field goal attempts for a poor 21.4 percent and 2 of 26 triple tries for a horrendous 7.7 percent.
Cedric Manzano and Lander Canon asserted their might underneath as the Huskers dominated both boards, 60-37, resulting to a decisive 52-18 edge in points in the paint.
The 6-foot-5 Manzano, a member of the Gilas Pilipinas which topped the 33rd Southeast Asian Games basketball competitions, posted 11 points and 14 rebounds to clinch the SportsPlus best player over the bulky Canon, who had 10 points and 11 boards.
Christian Pagaran also delivered for the Huskers with 11 points, followed by Mon Abundo with 10 points, 4 assists and 3 rebounds.
Although the outcome was settled, Quezon homegrown Rodel Gravera delighted the crowd with a one-handed slam and a two-handed jam, respectively.
Quezon City, which fell to 7-9, drew 16 points each from Ryan Costelo and Kobe Monje.
Abra solid North Weavers championship banners unveiled
After the Quezon Province-Quezon City encounter, the banners proclaiming the Abra Solid North Weavers as the North division and MPBL Season 7 national champion were unveiled at the ceiling of the venue.
Present were the team owner and Abra Cong. JB Bernos, Cong. Ching Bernos and members of last year's victorious weavers, headed by reigning MVP Dave Ildefonso.
In his speech, Cong. JB Bernos lauded his provincemates for supporting the Weavers, including Raven Gonzales, Mark Ayonayon, Encho Serrano, Alfred Batino and John Uduba, and former Weavers like Mark Yee and Jolo Mendoza for bringing glory to Abra.
Also cited were the coaching staff, headed by Yong Gonzales, and the team management, led by Chris Conwi, Mike Acosta and Waylon Nibaten.
Bernos praised the Weavers for becoming the fastest MPBL team to win the national title and promised the sellout crowd that "come November or December, Abra will have another banner."
MPBL Commissioner Emmer Oreta congratulated the Weavers for their accomplishment.
The tournament returns to the One Arena Cainta on Monday, with games pitting Marikina against Bacolod at 4 p.m., Valenzuela and Pasig at 6 p.m., and Imus and Caloocan at 8 p.m. TMT
