Fenner Explodes for Career-High 31 as Abra Hands Quezon First Loss of MPBL Season 8

The Abra Solid North Weavers reaffirmed their status as one of the MPBL's top contenders after handing the previously unbeaten Quezon Huskers their first loss of the season, pulling off an 82-77 victory at Ynares Arena, Pasig last Monday, June 22, 2026.

In a matchup featuring two of the league's hottest teams, the reigning national champions improved to 11-1 while snapping Quezon's perfect start and dropping the Huskers to 9-1.

The contest carried added significance as it served as a rematch of last season's National Finals, where the Weavers emerged victorious to capture their first MPBL championship. Both teams entered the game with plenty at stake, with Abra looking to extend its winning momentum and Quezon aiming to protect its unbeaten record.

Leading the charge for the Weavers was DJ Fenner, who delivered the best performance of his young MPBL career.

The Fil-Am forward erupted for a career-high 31 points on top of seven rebounds, five assists, and two blocks while connecting on five of his eight attempts from beyond the arc. Fenner repeatedly came through in key moments as Abra fended off multiple Quezon rallies to secure the win.

"I'm just happy our team stuck together through adversity and we were able to pull out a win," said Fenner after the game.

The offseason acquisition has quickly become one of Abra's most reliable weapons, and his latest outing came against one of the league's toughest teams.

"We're just using every day in practice to get better. It's really good to see everybody wanting to get better individually and then us getting better as a team," he added.

Adding to the Weavers' strong showing was the return of reigning MPBL Most Valuable Player Dave Ildefonso.

Playing his first game since suffering an ankle injury against the San Juan Knights last May 2, Ildefonso immediately made his presence felt. The star guard finished with 15 points, five rebounds, six assists, and two steals while knocking down all four of his attempts from beyond the arc.

His return provided a significant boost for Abra, particularly on the offensive end where his shot-making and playmaking helped steady the defending champions throughout the contest.

The Weavers also received key contributions from their supporting cast. Drex Delos Reyes added nine points and five rebounds, Jake Figueroa tallied four points, eight rebounds, and five assists, while Mike Ayonayon chipped in six points, three rebounds, two assists, and a steal.

Despite suffering its first defeat of the season, Quezon showed why it remains one of the top teams in the league.

Judel Fuentes paced the Huskers with 16 points, four rebounds, and three assists, while former MPBL MVP Cedric Manzano posted a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds to go along with four assists and a block. Cyrus Tabi also provided a spark with 11 points, three rebounds, four assists, and a steal.

The Huskers kept the game within striking distance until the final minutes, but Abra's timely composure and grit ultimately proved to be the difference.

With the victory, Abra continued to build momentum in its title defense while sending a strong message to the rest of the league that the champions remain a formidable force, especially with Ildefonso back in the lineup and Janjan Felicilda completing the squad.

For Quezon, the loss may have ended its unbeaten run, but the Huskers once again demonstrated the depth and resilience that have made them one of the favorites in MPBL Season 8.

As both teams continue their campaigns near the top of the standings, last Monday night's thriller further strengthened one of the league's most compelling rivalries.