TAIWAN-bound Dave Ildefonso played one of the best games of his MPBL career to tow the Abra Solid North Weavers to an 82-71 win over hosts Megabet Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards Saturday night the NE Coliseum in Palayan City.
Playing in front of predominantly 5,000 Novo Ecijanos, the Weavers turned to their defense to suffocate their rivals and take control of the game from the onset.
After a close first quarter, Ildefonso connived with Encho Serrano, Marwin Taywan and Mike Ayonayon on offense while the towering frontline of Simon Camacho and Geo Chiu locked the paint up on defense.
Back-to-back baskets from Ildefonso and Serrano to open the third opened a 60-39 lead, a lead they'd pad to 22, 74-52, to silence the home crowd.
The sight was unusual for the Novo Ecijanos of coach Don Dulay as the usually dominant team struggled to keep up with the Abranons even falling to a 22-point lead, 52-74, silencing the home crowd.
Robbie Celiz and Jaycee Marcelino tried to lead a Nueva Ecija comeback but the Weavers always had answers to their rallies.
Three straight fastbreak baskets by Marcelino brought Nueva Ecija to within 12, 66-78, with 4:13 left in the game, but Taywan's three possessions later to put Abra ahead, 81-68, put the game away for good.
Abra's defense were on point, limiting the usually hot-shooting Rice Vanguards to just 4/13 from the three-point line, and 21/44 from the field.
“We just played by our game plan and defense was our key, we know Nueva Ecija’s system will click so we did not allow them to get their vibes going,” said Abra coach Yong Garcia.
“The Novo Ecijanos played with a heart every game, so we made sure they won’t have that inspired basketball and get their fans involved,” added the former Mapua Red Robins head coach.
The win propelled the Weavers to the top of the standings alongside with the team that they beat as they now both tote 18-1 records.
Ildefonso emerged as the best player of the game with 25 points, 11 rebounds and four steals, going 5/13 from beyond the arc.
The brought together some of the top local government officials of Nueva Ecija led by Palayan mayor Vianne Cuevas with parents and team owners Bong and Rianne Cuevas, and brother Ivan.
Celiz paced Nueva Ecija with 18 points, six rebounds and two steals.
The visiting team also got their needed support in the game as some government officials from Abra, led by congresman JB Bernos and congresswoman Ching Bernos, travelled nearly seven hours just to pump up their squad.
“We wanted this win so much. Finally, after our loss to Pasay last March, we’re back on top. This is for our patrons sir Congressman JB Bernos and Congresswoman Ching Bernos. They’re both here with their families and friends to support us,” said Garcia.
Meanwhile after the game, Ildefonso and Chiu will immediately head to the airport to catch their 3 AM flight to Taiwan, where they join the Strong Group Athletics’ title defense of the William Jones Cup.
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