Like a wild animal let loose, Calvin Abueva is on beast mode in Alaska’s new found free-flowing offense.
The hardworking forward came away with a monster performance, scoring 26 points and grabbing 22 rebounds in powering the Aces to a come-from-behind victory over the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters.
Abueva felt the difference between the team’s new philosophy from the structured triangle offense. “Pabor sa akin ito kasi tumatakbo lang kami nang tumatakbo. Hindi kamukha dati medyo pigil dahil kailangan naming i-set yung play,” Abueva told the media after the game.
But there’s more to Abueva’s game than the numbers he produced.
His hustle, energy and all the intangibles he provided were enough to bring the Aces back to life.
“There’s something that Calvin gives us that no other player in the league can give us. He’s amazing [with] his ability to get the ball,” Compton said in the postgame interview.
Abueva did whatever it took to get the ball. He was knocked down while going up high to get a loose ball in one instance. A loud thud was felt inside the newly-refurbished Araneta Coliseum and the pain from the fall was mirrored on the former Sab Sebastian stalwart’s arm. But like a gallant warrior, he continued to go on and played the heroic role for the Aces.
“Tsaka ko na iintindihin yung sakit pagkatapos ng game,” he added.
