MANILA — Bacolod Masskaras crashed to the most lopsided defeat in Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) history after defending champion Abra Solid North Weavers overwhelmed them, 129-45, on Monday night at the One Arena in Cainta, Rizal, rewriting the league record books with an 84-point winning margin.
The historic rout eclipsed the previous MPBL record of an 82-point victory, set by the San Juan Knights in their 146-64 demolition of the Mindoro Tamaraws on Sept. 13, 2022.
Abra imposed its will from the opening tip and never looked back, stifling Bacolod on both ends of the floor while limiting the Masskaras to a season-low 45 points. The victory strengthened the Weavers’ hold on the league’s best record at 15-1, while Bacolod slipped to 3-18.
Reigning MPBL Most Valuable Player Dave Ildefonso turned in a career-best performance, exploding for 40 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and four steals to earn Best Player of the Game honors.
“We’re really trying to prove that we’re the team to beat,” Ildefonso said, adding that the victory meant more to him than his individual numbers.
Raven Gonzales provided a dominant all-around effort with 19 points, 20 rebounds, two assists, and two blocks, while Nico Elorde and Alfred Batino added 13 points each. Tucker Molina, Josh Asuncion, and Jake Figueroa also finished in double figures with 10 points apiece.
The Weavers controlled virtually every aspect of the contest, outrebounding the Masskaras, 65-36, while posting overwhelming advantages in points in the paint, 70-10, second-chance points, 19-2, and fast-break points, 38-4.
Despite the historic defeat, Desmond Price led Bacolod with 12 points. Emman Galman chipped in 11 points, while Rafael Go recorded a double-double of 10 points and 12 rebounds./PN
