By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Bacolod Masskara absorbed a heavy setback after bowing to Abra Solid North Weavers, 93-69, in the 2026 MPBL Preseason Invitational at the Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan, Laguna on Monday, February 16.

Masskara struggled to keep pace with Abra’s relentless offense and interior dominance, dropping their Group A assignment against a Weavers squad that remained unbeaten through three games.

Bacolod stayed competitive early and even knotted the score at 32 following a three-pointer by veteran Reil Cervantes.

However, Abra quickly seized control before halftime, launching a decisive run that created a 49-35 advantage at the break.

From there, Bacolod found no answer for Abra’s balanced attack and transition game, as the gap continued to widen in the second half.

Cervantes led Bacolod with 13 points, four rebounds and two assists.

Rev Diputado, Wilson Baltazar and Arvie Bringas added nine points each.

Abra dominated the rebounding battle, 44-26, which translated into a commanding edge in second-chance points, 20-9.

The Weavers also punished Bacolod in transition, scoring 29 fastbreak points compared to just six for Masskara, while controlling the paint, 48-20.

Newcomer Tucker Molina proved to be a major problem for Bacolod’s defense, delivering 15 points, three rebounds, three assists, and two blocks in his debut for Abra.

He was backed by reigning MPBL Most Valuable Player Dave Ildefonso, who finished with 17 points, six assists, three rebounds, and three steals, and rookie Drex delos Reyes, who tallied 16 points and eight rebounds.

The loss dealt Bacolod an early blow in the preseason tournament, while Abra strengthened its hold on the Group A lead and continued to build momentum ahead of the MPBL’s eighth season./ASC, WDJ