Huskers overwhelm Black Bulls behind stifling defense

The Quezon Huskers put on a defensive clinic, routing the Quezon City Black Bulls, 93-52, in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) 2026 Season on Saturday at the Gov. Andres Bernos Memorial Gymnasium in Bangued, Abra.

The Huskers imposed their will from the opening tip, holding the Black Bulls to just 11 points in the second quarter and only seven in the third to build a commanding 72-29 advantage before cruising to victory.

With every one of the 15 players who saw action getting on the scoreboard, the reigning two-time South Division champions improved to 11-2, staying within striking distance of South Division leader Batangas City Tanduay Athletics (13-2) in the 27-team field.

Quezon's defense completely disrupted Quezon City's offense, limiting the Black Bulls to just 15-of-70 shooting from the field (21.4 percent), including a woeful 2-of-26 clip from three-point range (7.7 percent).

Cedric Manzano and Lander Canon anchored the Huskers' dominance inside, helping the team win the rebounding battle, 60-37, while outscoring the Black Bulls, 52-18, in points in the paint.

Manzano, a member of the Gilas Pilipinas squad that won the gold medal at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, posted 11 points and 14 rebounds to earn Best Player of the Game honors. Canon also recorded a double-double with 10 points and 11 boards.

Christian Pagaran added 11 points, while Mon Abundo contributed 10 points, four assists, and three rebounds in the balanced offensive effort.

Despite the defeat, Quezon City native Rodel Gravera gave the hometown crowd something to cheer about with a spectacular one-handed dunk followed later by a two-handed slam.

Ryan Costelo and Kobe Monje led the Black Bulls with 16 points apiece as the team dropped to 7-9.

Following the game, the Abra Solid North Weavers unveiled their North Division and MPBL Season 7 championship banners in a special ceremony at the venue.

Among those in attendance were team owner and Abra Representative JB Bernos, Representative Ching Bernos, and members of last season's title-winning squad led by reigning MVP Dave Ildefonso.

In his remarks, JB Bernos thanked the people of Abra for their unwavering support and recognized current players Raven Gonzales, Mark Ayonayon, Encho Serrano, Alfred Batino, and John Uduba, as well as former Weavers Mark Yee and Jolo Mendoza, for helping bring championships to the province.

He also acknowledged the coaching staff headed by Yong Gonzales and the management team led by Chris Conwi, Mike Acosta, and Waylon Nibaten.

Bernos praised the Weavers for becoming the fastest franchise in MPBL history to capture a national championship and expressed confidence that another banner would soon be added to the rafters.

MPBL Commissioner Emmer Oreta also congratulated the Weavers on their historic accomplishment.

The league resumes on Monday at One Arena in Cainta, where Marikina faces Bacolod at 4 p.m., Valenzuela takes on Pasig at 6 p.m., and Imus meets Caloocan at 8 p.m.