In the SEABA 12’s first game together as one unit last Sunday, the National Team was sluggish, committing numerous turnovers in the first quarter alone that resulted in a deficit that went as high as 15 points. They displayed little to no familiarity during that stretch.
“First quarter, second quarter nandun yung energy pero wala yung effort na kailangan namin ipakita,” Calvin Abueva shared to News 5’s Fraulein Olavario.
“Siyempre, ngayon pa lang naglaro atsaka nagsama-sama yung pool na ginawa ni coach Chot kaya mahirap din sa amin — yung maamoy pa namin yung isa’t isa.”
But like a diesel engine, Chooks Gilas Pilipinas were able to turn it up in the second frame behind Terrence Romeo. And when they were able to get themselves back in the game, it was Abueva who turned up the heat.
The proud son of Angeles City was unstoppable in the second half, rampaging through numerous defenders for tough lay-ins, and even knocking down a rare three-pointer during the third frame. He scored 21 of his 26 points in the second half, including 11 in the final frame, to lead Chooks Gilas Pilipinas to a 125-112 win.
According to the 6-foot-2 bruiser, their huge second half run stemmed from their effort and energy finding its synergy.
“Nung third at fourth quarter na, nandun yung effort at energy tapos nakukuha na namin kung saan dapat yung puwesto namin at kung sino yung aatake at titira,” added the five-time All-Star, who also had seven rebounds and two steals.
“Ganda ng kinalabasan. Sana magtuloy-tuloy ito hanggang SEABA.”
With the morale-boosting victory, the 29-year-old cager believes that their confidence is at a high right now. And with Andray Blatche set to arrive on Tuesday, it will only double the high they are experiencing right now.
“Ngayon, wala pa nga si Andray, kumpiyansa na kami, paano pa kaya kung nandiyan na siya? Do-doble pa yung kumpiyansa namin,” Abueva, who was part of the team that won silver in the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship, declared.
