Last Monday, the Phoenix Pulse Fuel Masters were in dire straights.
The top-seeded team in the 2019 PBA Philippine Cup were in a 0-2 hole against Philippine Cup juggernauts San Miguel Beermen.
Thankfully, the Fuel Masters then had a five-day break to regroup.
“Ilang days na lumipas na hindi sunud-sunod ang games, may pagkakataon na nakapagpahinga sila at nakapagpahinga kami,” admimtted Calvin Abueva.
“Naka-remember kami na kailangan naming bumawi sa game na ito.”
It also helped that their fiery mentor Louie Alas gave them a scolding right after their 82-92 Game Two collapse.
“Actually nung Game Two, na-rattle kami kay coach Louie, nagalit siya. Talagang nagwala siya.
“Pagdating naman ng practice, bumawi kami at naging cool siya. Kaya kami, wala kaming inisip kung hindi itong Game Three,” the 31-year-old shared.
Abueva was instrumental in Phoenix’s 92-90 Game Three win, tallying 18 points, 13 rebounds, five assists, and two steals. And he did that while bucking foul trouble all throughout the game.
“Nagpapasalamat kami na nakuha namin itong Game Three. ‘Di kami gumive up sa mga tawag ng referee,” the 6-foot-2 utility forward quipped. “Alam natin na malakas sila at kaya nilang kunin itong Game Three.
“Pero siyempre, hindi kami nagpatinag at nilabanan namin hanggang huli.”
How badly did Abueva want to make it up to Alas?
There was a point midway through the final frame where he collided with Terrence Romeo. Abueva landed awkwardly but shrugged off calls from Alas for him to be subbed out, as Phoenix were clinging on to just a six-point lead.
And it’s because he wants to help Phoenix keep pace with the league’s gold standard.
“Hindi rin bihira ang kalaban na ito. Lumalaban din sa physicality. Kailangan lang naming gawin yung sinasabi ni coach sa sistema namin kung paano kami makaka-iskor.”
As he left the dugout of the SMART Araneta Coliseum, Abueva had a wide grin on his face.
“Kita-kita tayo sa Game Four.”
