Calvin Abueva was all over the floor, inspiring a debuting Titan Ultra squad in its opening match against Meralco in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup.
Calvin Abueva swished an open trey on top of the key with still over six minutes left to play in Titan Ultra’s PBA debut against Meralco in the Season 50 Philippine Cup Wednesday, Oct. 8.
That was Abueva's fourth three-pointer, highlighting his career-high 41 points that fueled the Giant Risers’ 100-96 stunner over the former all-Filipino champ.
He also had seven rebounds and a steal in a performance that was reminiscent of his collegiate brilliance as one-third of the dreaded Pinatubo Trio in San Sebastian in the NCAA.
“Sa’kin, parang nabalik 'yong college days ko,” said Abueva, who bagged the Most Valuable Player honors in the collegiate league in 2011.
[RELATED STORY: Calvin Abueva, Titan Ultra jolt Meralco for winning start to PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup]
Titan Ultra stands its ground
Abueva's fourth and last triple allowed Titan Ultra to build a comfortable 19-point lead, 90-71, with 6:49 to go in the match.
But the Bolts will not simply surrender as they unleashed a furious 16-2 rally to come within seven, 87-92, with under three minutes left.
Meralco continued to threaten behind two four-pointers from Chris Newsome and CJ Cansino to further trim its deficit to just three, 95-98, with 17.5 ticks to go.
[RELATED STORY: PBA’s four-point shot: boon or bane?]
Giant Risers stalwart Joshua Munzon then canned two free throws that pretty much shut the door on the Bolts.
Abueva keeps up with the young guns
As impressive as his game was, the 37-year-old Abueva also lauded the rest of his teammates for playing well, especially in transition.
Munzon backed him up with 14 points, six rebounds, five assists, a steal and a block, while Cade Flores contributed 10 markers, six boards and three steals.
“Lahat kami excited maglaro ng first game. Naibigay namin itong larong 'to dahil ibinuhos naming ang depensa namin,” said Abueva.
“Pinush talaga namin ‘to. Lalo na ako, mga bata ang kasama ko. Kailangang i-push ko ang sarili ko para makasabay.”
Meanwhile, Cansino led the Bolts with a near double-double of 22 points and nine rebounds.
Raymond Almazan punched in 16 markers, four boards, two steals, and three blocks, while Bong Quinto added 15 points and seven rebounds.
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Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.