The Abra Weavers and Hong Kong Eastern got into an acrimonious exchange early on Saturday over practice time at the SM Seaside Cebu Arena. Later in the day, the Filipino squad made sure it got the last laugh.
What Happened Earlier
Earlier in the day, members of both teams exchanged words, with Hong Kong Eastern’s Bosnian coach, Alen Abaz, among those most irate, raising his voice to make his point. The bone of contention was practice time as the Abra Weavers had evidently overstayed their stay on the court.
The Filipino side reasoned they also started late because the previous team that used the court for practice overshot their own time by about 10 minutes as well. Abaz, though, wasn’t biting and insisted it was his team’s turn. EASL officials intervened just in time and defused the contentious situation by requesting the Hong Kong side to retreat to their dugout for just a few more minutes—something Abaz and his squad acquiesced to.
Abra Weavers Get the Last Laugh
Later in the day, the Abra Weavers sent a message, not only to Hong Kong Eastern, but also to the rest of the EASL: They’re in it to win it.
The defending MPBL champions scored the first two baskets of the game, won the first quarter, extended the lead to 54‑43 early in the third, and then fended off Eastern’s fourth‑quarter rally to notch a win in their EASL debut. The game was marked by some physical play and at least a couple of altercations as tension was high all game long.
Abra’s four imports led the way in this one, with Jaylen Johnson putting up all‑around numbers of 14 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block. Freddy Ibrahim also fired 14 on top of 4 rebounds and 3 assists while also providing some much‑needed leadership in the face of Hong Kong’s rally in the fourth. Michael Eric added 10 points and 5 boards, while Malick Diouf had 4 points and a game‑high 12 rebounds.
Hong Kong import Akili Vining and local Jenning Leung spearheaded Eastern’s effort, with Vining tallying a game‑high 26 to go along with 8 assists and Leung adding 20 on 6‑for‑13 shooting from downtown. Big man Ramon Cao added 13 points and 6 boards. Incidentally, Leung and Cao played for the Macau Giant Pandas in the PBA but left to join the EASL squad.
Locals Also Shine
While the Abra Weavers leaned heavily on their reinforcements, the locals also had their moments. DJ Fenner, in particular, shone for Abra, finishing with 13 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals. Dave Ildefonso, the Weavers’ main man, added 9 points, while Mike Ayonayon fired 8, including a big three in the fourth.
The Abra Weavers will next take on Japan B.League powerhouse Ryukyu Golden Knights at the Okinawa Suntory Arena. The Filipino side, though, will have two months to prepare, as that showdown will take place on December 9.
