ABUEVA STARS AS ALASKA NIPS TNT, GAINS SHARE OF LEAD
Calvin Abueva beat the buzzer with a game-winning one-handed running shot to cap a monstrous 20-20 game as Alaska fashioned out a 100-98 nail-biter of a win over Talk n Text in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Tuesday night.
Abueva came through with career-best 26 points and 22 rebounds and himself preserved his superb effort in shattering a deadlock with a shot over Larry Fonacier at the buzzer.
“He’s a Tazmanian Devil,” said Alaska coach Alex Compton of Abueva.
“He gives us something. He’s amazing to get the ball. Calvin helps get the ball for you,” Compton added.
Jvee Casio and Dondon Hontiveros also played a big part in what their coach called “a character play by character guys.”
Abueva delivered the game-winner after Casio stopped a premature drive by Jayson Castro. Hontiveros then picked up the loose ball and made a good decision not to call a timeout and instead hurled a quick outlet pass to Abueva.
“I was asking for a timeout but Dondon made a good veteran read (of the situation) and made a great decision to pitch a pass to Calvin,” said Compton.
Casio’s defensive gem on Castro didn’t escape Compton.
“Jvee at 5-foot-9 and 150 pounds found a way to get in front of him (Castro) and made a stop,” said Compton. “Imagine, it’s Castro, Asia’s best point guard. Hindi ako lalaban dyan.”
Vic Manuel had his own double-double game with 10 points and 12 rebounds while Casio, Hontiveros, Chris Banchero and Cyrus Baguio also produced double-digit outputs helping Abueva chalk up a second straight win for Alaska.
The Aces now share the lead with Barangay Ginebra, San Miguel Beer and Meralco.
The Tropang Texters blew away an 18-point spread at 75-57 and suffered a second defeat in three games in losing a tight endgame battle.
After falling behind at 84-87, the Texters regrouped, fought a good fight and led for the last time at 98-96 on two free throws by Kelly Williams with 36.5 ticks left.
The Texters failed to close it out though on an error by Ranidel de Ocampo on a fastbreak play.
Worse, De Ocampo gave up a foul sending Abueva to the line to tie the count at 98 with 18.2 ticks left.
Then came Castro’s decision to quickly attack Alaska’s defense.
Casio deflected Castro’s drive and Hontiveros went on to run the offensive play that had Abueva sticking the dagger through TnT’s heart at the buzzer. (SB)
The scores:
ALASKA 100 – Abueva 26, Hontiveros 14, Banchero 12, Casio 12, Baguio 10, Manuel 10, Thoss 9, Jazul 6, Exciminiano 1, Eman 0, Dela Rosa 0, Bugia 0, Vanlandingham 0, Dela Cruz 0.
TALK N’ TEXT 98 – Reyes R. 24, Alas 15, Williams 13, De Ocampo 12, Castro 10, Ganuelas-Rosser 8, Washington 5, Espiritu 5, Fonacier 4, Reyes R. J. 2, Carey 0, Labagala 0, Seigle 0, Aban 0.
Quarterscores: 21-28, 47-48, 68-80, 100-98
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