Abra, Biñan, Cebu boost MPBL playoff drives

On Monday at the MRB Covered Court in Quezon City, Abra, Biñan, and Cebu secured victories in the Manny Pacquiao Presents Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) 2025 Season, enhancing their playoff prospects.

Abra Solid North dominated Pasig City with a 101-77 win, marking their 24th consecutive victory and improving their record to 26-1 in the elimination phase. Marwin Taywan led the team with 13 points, six assists, and four rebounds, earning Best Player honors, supported by Georell Gonzales and Dave Ildefonso with 12 points each. Pasig, despite contributions from players like Mark Montuano (19 points), fell to 12-16 but remains assured of a play-in spot alongside Bataan in the North Division.

Cebu Greats defeated Bacolod Slashers 80-71, concluding their regular season with an 11-18 record and staying in contention for a play-in berth. Key performers for Cebu included Limeul Tampos with 13 points and eight rebounds, while Bacolod's Mark Ray Dubouzet scored 13 points. Cebu now hopes for Sarangani to lose its final game to advance.

Biñan Tatak Gel routed Quezon City 101-72, climbing to a 17-11 record and securing a playoff position in the South Division. Renzo Subido starred with 22 points, aided by Kenny Roger Rocacurva's 18 points. Quezon City's Sidney Mosqueda scored 16 points in the loss.

In the playoff structure, the top six teams in each division advance directly to the best-of-three playoffs, while the seventh to tenth placers enter play-ins for the final two spots. Abra leads the North Division and overall standings, followed by teams like Nueva Ecija and Quezon Province.