Magnolia head coach Chito Victolero dispelled fears of a serious injury after Calvin Abueva got shaken up during their 2022 PBA Governors’ Cup semifinal encounter with Meralco, Wednesday evening.
Play stopped at the 4:32-mark of the third canto when the ‘Beast’ went down following a box-out situation with Bolts import Tony Bishop.
It took him a while to get back up, and was slow to head to the bench with assistance from his coaches and teammates. Staff then sent him to the dugout for further evaluation and treatment by the medical staff.
It was a scary sight to see, since the 34-year-old has just recovered from a calf injury – the reason why he was out for quite an amount of time.
Abueva, however, was able to return to the game, as part of the starting unit for the final period. But his left shoulder was noticeably taped heavily.
Save for that contact with opposing forward Cliff Hodge, the bruising forward did well enough — as if he wasn’t hurt. And he went on to help the Hotshots collect the 94-80 victory to draw first blood in the best-of-five series.
“Nakabalik naman siya, eh,” offered Victolero moments after the match at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
In just his second game back, Abueva finished with 12 points, four rebounds, four assists, a steal, and a block in 32 minutes. He played a key role in Magnolia’s rally that saw them eradicate a 17-point deficit early.
“Pagbalik niya, ang taas ng energy niya, especially in the fourth quarter. Naka-contribute siya on both ends of the floor,” said Victolero,
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