Calvin Abueva was a problem for NLEX from start to finish. Thankfully for NLEX, Robert Bolick eventually solved the puzzle in their PBA Philippine Cup joust.
Calvin Abueva did everything for Titan Ultra Sunday night, Nov. 16.
Abueva was all over the court: running back on defense in transition, collaring rebounds, scoring in bunches — you name it.
But his efforts proved insufficient as the Giant Risers fell to NLEX, 83-92, in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila.
Still, Abueva gained a fan from the other end of the court.
“Ang galing ni Calvin,” said Road Warriors star Robert Bolick.
[RELATED STORY: PBA: 'Big-time player' Robert Bolick fires 36 to steer NLEX past Titan]
While Bolick also posted 36 big points, Abueva himself starred for the Giant Risers with 27 points, 15 rebounds, four assists, a steal and four blocks.
Despite the herculean effort of "The Beast," the Giant Risers dropped their sixth game against two victories.
But their record belies the resilience and talent they display on the court, according to Bolick.
The NLEX star guard admitted that the Road Warriors had to work really hard to hammer out their sixth win in eight outings that gave them a piece of the lead with Rain or Shine.
“Ang galing nila. Hindi sila ganoon kadaling talunin… Ang galing ng team. Tinrabaho talaga namin ‘to,” said Bolick.
The two teams will now go on a two-week break as the league gives way for Gilas Pilipinas' participation in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
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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.