Chito Victolero trusts Calvin Abueva so much that he brought him back early in the final frame of Magnolia’s Honda PBA Philippine Cup semis opener versus Meralco Sunday, knowing that he was one whistle away from being booted out.
The 33-year-old was plagued by fouls. He picked up five in the first three chapters – he already had three in the opening period alone.
Still, his head coach subbed him in again with 10:06 remaining in the final period as he looked for a response to the Bolts’ assault.
“It’s hard for us because ‘yung rotation ko, medyo naapektuhan because na-foul trouble nga si Calvin,” Victolero said. “But the way Calvin tumingin sa akin nung fourth quarter, gustong-gusto niya maglaro eh.
“Sabi ko bahala na, basta ingatan lang niya.”
And the champion bench tactician couldn’t feel more proud that that big of a gamble paid off in the end.
Trailing by six, Abueva immediately sparked a 10-0 run to put his crew on top, 73-69, approaching the last five minutes. And moments later, their lead ballooned to double-digits, 82-72, thanks to him as well.
“Calvin is Calvin,” said Victolero. “He always has that energy. Hindi mo pwede tanggalin sa kanya ‘yon kasi siya ‘yon.”
The Hotshots went on to bag the 88-79 victory to draw first blood in the best-of-seven series. They also avenged the bitter loss they suffered at Meralco’s hands in the eliminations, where they blew a 13-point lead.
Abueva played for just over 20 minutes but still finished with 13 points. He also had seven rebounds, two assists, two steals, and a block.
“Malaking tulong,” said the 2018 Coach of the Year. “Nakakuha siya ng mga rebounds, nakakuha kami ng energy sa kanya sa opensa tsaka sa depensa.
“Iba rin talaga kapag nandoon si Calvin.”
Still, Victolero said that it was a collective effort that gave them the series lead, lauding the other Hotshots who stepped up while Abueva was out.
There, of course, is Ian Sangalang, who led the way with 18 points and eight rebounds. Top gunner Paul Lee had 17 points, while Jio Jalalon and Mark Barroca contributed 12 and 11 markers, respectively.
“Good thing sina Ian, yung ibang players, nag-step up nung wala siya. And sabi ni Ian nung start ng fourth quarter, ‘Atin ‘to’. We believed that,” Victolero said. “We stayed together. We worked hard together on defense.
“At least nakuha namin yung Game One. It’s only the start of the series. Kita niyo naman kung gaano ka-pisikal, kung gaano ka-emotional. But good thing lang nakuha namin yung Game One.”
