The MPBL semifinals opened with defending champion Abra defeating Pasay 81-71 and San Juan edging Caloocan 73-71 in overtime, giving both winners the lead in their best-of-three North Division series.

Abra holds off Pasay

Abra led 67-47 before Pasay mounted a late comeback at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig. Cyril Gonzales hit consecutive three-pointers during an 11-2 run that cut the deficit to 79-71.

Raven Gonzales scored the final basket for Abra from a Dave Ildefonso assist. Ildefonso, the reigning MVP, finished with 14 points and seven assists and was named best player.

MPBL semifinals move to Game 2

Second-seeded San Juan needed overtime to beat third-seeded Caloocan in the other series opener. Abra and San Juan will each seek a 2-0 sweep on Wednesday at the Ynares Sports Center in Montalban, Rizal.

The winners of the two series would meet in the North Division title clash of the 2026 season.

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