Calvin Abueva returned in triumphant fashion as Magnolia booted Converge out of contention, 88-80, to assure itself of a top four finish in the PBA Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup, Saturday night at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Out in their first nine games following a hemorrhoidectomy, the ‘Beast’ collected six points, seven rebounds, an assist, two steals, and a block off the bench as he was part of the fourth-quarter unit that helped the Hotshots secure the win.
He and Tyler Bey spearheaded the crucial 14-0 run towards a 79-65 lead with 6:53 left in the game, which proved enough for the crew to take control of the match on the way to formally a twice-to-beat advantage for the quarterfinals.
“Sabi ko naman, Calvin is Calvin, at ganyan ‘yung energy na mabibigay niya even if limited minutes,” said head coach Chito Victolero.
Bey top-scored for Magnolia with 27 points and 13 rebounds for his eighth double-double performance of the conference.
Jio Jalalon delivered 16 points and 10 rebounds with five assists and two steals, while big man James Laput provided 10 markers and seven boards.
Now the Hotshots will look to finish as the no. 1 seed heading into their last game of the eliminations versus Meralco on January 6 in Iloilo City.
Jamil Wilson, on the other hand, led Converge with 19 points and 10 rebounds in the loss that booted the team out of playoff contention.
Alec Stockton made 16 points, Aljun Melecio had 13, while bigs Justin Arana and Bryan Santos added 12 and 11 points, respectively.
The FiberXers (1-8) still have two games left in its campaign, first against NLEX (January 10) and then Rain or Shine (January 14).
The Scores:
Magnolia 88 – Bey 27, Jalalon 16, Laput 10, Eriobu 7, Lee 6, Sangalang 6, Abueva 6, Barroca 4, Dionisio 3, Dela Rosa 3, Tratter 0, Mendoza 0.
Converge 80 – Wilson 19, Stockton 16, Melecio 13, Arana 12, Santos 11, Wong 2, Caralipio 2, Ambohot 0, Fleming 0.
Quarterscores: 18-15, 34-37, 60-62, 88-80.
