Jordanian Fadi ‘Freddy’ Ibrahim gave a debuting Abra Weavers a huge lift when they needed it most to ward off a mighty comeback by Hong Kong Eastern Long Lions for their first-ever victory in the East Asia Super League (EASL) 2026-2027 Season inaugurals.
Showing they are not just a simple replacement but a true winner, Ibrahim scored eight of his 14 points in the last five minutes to guide the Weavers to a 79-72 win on Saturday night at the SM Seaside Cebu Arena.
‘Credit goes to the players for following our game plan. Ibrahim played really well, and the players defended very well,’ Abra coach Yong Garcia told reporters. ‘I was also amazed with the all-out support of Cebuanos. The atmosphere is great.’
Ibrahim also delivered four rebounds and three assists, while Rain or Shine ex-reinforcement Jaylen Johnson rocked up 14 points, four rebounds, and four assists, and team captain DJ Fenner piled up 13 points, five rebounds, three assists, and three steals to lead Abra.
Six-foot-11 import Michael Eric added 10 points and five rebounds, and reigning Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Most Valuable Player Dave Ildefonso, before fouling out in the last two minutes, finished with nine points and four rebounds.
Abra almost squandered a 69-57 advantage in the last seven minutes, with Hong Kong Eastern’s Akili Vining leading the comeback that trimmed their deficit to just 70-75 with just one minute left. But Ibrahim and the rest of Abra were all right there to spoil Hong Kong’s late rally.
The Weavers are the defending national champion and top qualifier at the ongoing North Division playoffs of the MPBL 2026 Season. Hong Kong is on its third time competing in the EASL.
Vining led Hong Kong with game-highs of 26 points and eight assists, while Jenning Leung posted 20 points and Ramon Cao had 13 points.
Although Garcia was satisfied with the Weavers’ showing, he said they need to be more disciplined on their defense to succeed in their coming games in the home-and-away tournament.
Abra team owner JB Bernos and hundreds of Weavers supporters wore blue for the twin-bill watched by thousands in the venue that seats 16,000 and can accommodate up to 25,000.
The Weavers will next battle the Ryukyu Golden Kings at the Okinawa Suntory Arena on December 9. It will be Hong Kong Eastern’s turn to host Abra at the Tsuen Wan Sports Centre on February 4, 2027.
Earlier, the P. League + winningest squad Taipei Fubon Braves banked on Marko Todorovic’s solid 30 points and 17 rebounds plus five assists, three steals, and two blocks performance to rout Macau Hou Chon, 103-89, in the first game.