Abra banked on the sudden explosion of John Lloyd Clemente to stun fellow newcomer Pangasinan, 83-75, near midnight Saturday in the MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Sixth Season at the people-packed Calasiao Sports Complex in Pangasinan.
With Abra behind, 70-71, Clemente, recruited out of powerhouse Pampanga, clustered eight points with two triples sandwiching a layup, to push the Weavers ahead for good, 78-70, with 2 minutes and 9 seconds left.
Hesed Gabo and Ian Melencio tried to bail out Pangasinan with back-to-back baskets, but former 3×3 standout Mark Tallo of Abra defused the threat with a triple going to the last 43 seconds.
Tallo wound up with 14 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists and 2 steals to lead the Weavers of Coach Jonathan Banal.
The 6-foot slasher got ample support from Clemente with 12 points, Prince Caperal with 10, all in the first half; Michael Canete with 9 points, NCAA Season 99 MVL Clint Escamis with 8 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists; and Wendelino Comboy with 8 points.
Earlier, Zamboanga Masters Sardines went through overtime before subduing the retooled Valenzuela Classic, 82-76.
Renzo Subido delivered for Zamboanga Coach Louie Alas in the extension with 5 points to preserve the heroics of former MVP Jaycee Marcelino, who poured 26 points and 8 rebounds, Rey Publico with 10 points, and Adrian Santos and Joseph Terso with 8 points each.
Conmboy’s back-to-back triples, followed by a Tallo layup pushed Abra ahead, 70-64, before Pangasinan countered with seven straight points to briefly control, 71-70, with 4 minutes and 25 seconds left.
Then Clemente took over.
Pangasinan drew a game-high 26 points, plus 5 assists and 4 rebounds from Gabo, who reunited with Jerson Cabiltes, his former mentor with the 2022 MPBL champion Nueva Ecija, to head the Heatwaves, who got 12 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists from Ian Melencio, 10 points and 9 rebounds from Michael Mabulac and 9 points plus 3 rebounds from Ed Daquioag.
