PBA: Abueva a game-changer anew for Alaska | ABS-CBN

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PBA: Abueva a game-changer anew for Alaska

PBA: Abueva a game-changer anew for Alaska

Camille B. Naredo,

ABS-CBN News

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Despite missing all of his shots, Calvin Abueva was still a crucial player for Alaska. PBA Media Bureau

MANILA, Philippines — Even as he was unable to buy a basket, Calvin Abueva still proved to be the game-changer that Alaska needed in their PBA Commissioner’s Cup game against Blackwater on Sunday.

Momentum was on the side of the Elite after they cut what was once a 30-point deficit to seven points, 66-59, early in the fourth period.

But the Aces managed to pull away once more, en route to a comfortable 93-74 triumph -- their first win of the conference.

For Alaska coach Alex Compton, it was Abueva who made their breakaway possible.

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“I got two words that changed the fourth quarter, and that’s Calvin Abueva,” said Compton.

Abueva’s energy and hustle turned the tide in the fourth period, as he repeatedly grabbed rebounds over Blackwater import Jarrid Famous, pushed the ball down the court, and dished off to an open teammate - often, Vic Manuel.

He also dove for loose balls, earned extra possessions for the Aces by crashing the offensive glass, and in one sequence, forced a turnover when he stole the inbound pass, lost the ball, but managed to bounce it off Blackwater’s Mac Belo to regain possession.

“I told Calvin, you really helped us basically win this game when you were in the game, especially in that part of the fourth quarter,” Compton said of Abueva.

“He made so many extra unselfish plays, that as coaches we love, and it helps bring the team together,” he added.

Abueva’s energy rubbed off on his teammates, according to Compton, and he was one of the reasons that Manuel had his way inside the paint in the fourth period.

“I think we all came alive with what he brought us,” said the coach.

For Abueva, his energy and hard work was the least he could contribute. After all, he was unable to make much headway when it came to scoring. “The Beast” missed all 10 of the field goals that he took, and made only three of his six free throws.

“Di ako maka-score eh. Kaya dinaan ko na lang sa mabibigay kong assists sa teammates ko. Actually, nung third quarter nahabol. Pagpasok ko nung fourth quarter, dun ko binuhos aggressiveness ko. Basta maka-score ang mga kakampi ko, okay na,” said Abueva.

“Pinilit ko na lang na pumasa at kumuha ng hustle points, hustle rebounds para sa mga teammates ko,” added the veteran forward.

When the final buzzer sounded, Abueva only scored three points in the game. But he grabbed 10 rebounds and dished out six assists while also registering two steals and two blocks.

Compton believes that if Abueva continues to play with such energy and hustle, then there is no doubt that the Aces can go far in the Commissioner’s Cup.

“If he plays like that, I’m confident that we’ll have a chance against even the really talented, stronger, more politically influential teams. He was awesome. He was awesome,” said the coach.

For more sports coverage, visit the ABS-CBN Sports website.

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