The Abra Weavers made history on Saturday, October 3, opening their first-ever East Asia Super League (EASL) campaign with a 79-72 victory over Hong Kong Eastern at the packed SM Seaside City Arena in Cebu.
More than 10,000 fans filled the arena to witness a historic night, marking the first professional basketball game held at the SM Seaside City Arena and the first time a local professional team, the Abra Weavers, played at the venue.
Adding to the significance of the occasion was the presence of Abra Weavers Team Owner Congressman JB Bernos, together with Congresswoman Ching Bernos and their family, who personally witnessed the historic debut. They were joined by numerous Abreños who traveled from Northern Luzon to Cebu, bringing the spirit and support of Abra to the Weavers' first international game.
The Weavers made the occasion even more memorable by securing their first-ever win in their first international tournament, marking a historic milestone for the Abra-based squad and giving them a strong start to their EASL campaign.
Jaylen Johnson and Freddy Ibrahim led Abra with 14 points apiece, while DJ Fenner added 13 points. Overall, it was a team effort that made this historic feat possible.
From the packed stands to the historic venue debut, the strong showing of Abreño supporters, and Abra's first international victory, October 3 became a day of firsts for the Weavers and Philippine basketball.
Abra returns to EASL action on December 9 against the Ryukyu Golden Kings at Okinawa Arena in Japan.