Calvin Abueva had an impressive debut for NorthPort but his efforts weren’t enough to help the Batang Pier beat Jason Perkins and Phoenix in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup.
On the night Calvin Abueva made his debut with NorthPort, Phoenix rained on his parade.
Abueva’s close friend, Jason Perkins, had a lot to do with that.
Perkins fired 26 points, and the Fuel Masters hammered out a 118-107 win over Abueva and the rest of the Batang Pier in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup Wednesday, June 4.
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The Phoenix star also had eight rebounds and four assists as his squad scored a third win in 10 games.
Though there were some physical plays between the two throughout the match, the former Fuel Masters teammates have nothing but respect for each other.
“I love playing against Calvin. Calvin is a player I look up to. He’s a mentor of mine. I learned from his successes and mistakes,” said Perkins post-match at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
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Even though Abueva is playing for his fourth team at 37 years old now, Perkins believes NorthPort is lucky to have him at its disposal.
“Wherever Calvin goes, I think they’re lucky to have him. He’s like 37 now, but his motor is extremely high,” the former La Salle star said.
“He’s always high on the scouting report. He works hard, and he’s always treated everyone with respect on the court and off the court.”
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Abueva, who transferred from Magnolia for William Navarro several days ago, impressed with 18 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two blocks.
But there was very little he could do when Perkins erupted for 13 points in the fourth period, where the Fuel Masters sped away.
Kai Ballungay was also steady for Phoenix with 17 points and nine rebounds, while Kenneth Tuffin and Ricci Rivero scored 14 apiece.
“We got off to a good start. We moved the ball really well tonight. That's why we’re able to win this game,” said Phoenix coach Jamike Jarin, whose team had 18 three-pointers.
Meanwhile, Joshua Munzon saw another stellar outing go down the drain as the Batang Pier sank to their eighth straight loss for a 1-8 mark.
He wound up with 32 points, seven rebounds, five assists, three steals and a block.
Phoenix vs. NorthPort scores:
PHOENIX 118 – Perkins 26, Ballungay 17, Tuffin 14, Rivero 14, Jazul 10, Tio 9, Verano 8, Garcia 5, Soyud 4, Cullar 4, Manganti 3, Ular 2, Camacho 2, Daves 0, Alejandro 0.
NORTHPORT 107 – Munzon 32, Abueva 18, Cuntapay 15, Flores 9, Bulanadi 8, Jalalon 7, Nava 6, Balanza 4, Taha 3, Kwekuteye 2, Yu 2, Nelle 0, Onwubere 0.
Quarterscores: 30-28, 56-51, 82-80, 118-107.