Defending champion Abra beat Pasay, 81-71, while San Juan edged Caloocan, 73-71, in overtime to open the North Division semifinals of the SportsPlus Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League on Saturday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Dave Ildefonso led Abra with 14 points and seven assists, while Drex de los Reyes and Raven Gonzales added 12 points each.
Brian Hilario hit three triples in the fourth quarter and finished with 15 points for Pasay. Christian Fajarito added 14 points.
Orlan Wamar led San Juan with eight rebounds, four assists and four steals. Harold Alarcon and Terrence Fortea scored 11 points each.
Kymani Ladi led Caloocan with 14 points, while Jeff Manday scored 13.
Abra and San Juan seek 2-0 leads on Wednesday.
The South Division semifinals continue on Tuesday, with Quezon Province facing Cebu and host Biñan taking on Rizal.
Quezon beat Cebu, 77-67, while Biñan edged Rizal, 73-71, in the series openers.