Calvin Abueva didn’t disappoint in his much-awaited return from a lengthy suspension as Phoenix Super LPG outlasted NLEX, 114-110, in the lone PBA Philippine Cup game Monday at the Angeles University Foundation Sports and Cultural Center.
Abueva played as if he hasn’t played a game in 16 months, posting 21 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists while displaying patience and composure in his 32-minute appearance to help the Fuel Masters improve to 4-2.
It was a gratifying comeback for “The Beast,” who had to overcome numerous obstacles since being handed an indefinite ban in June 2019.
He checked in to the game with 7:32 remaining in the first quarter with the intent of trying to be the same type of player that endeared him to most fans, minus the intramurals that contributed to his punishment.
But Abueva ended the night making a significant impact for the Fuel Masters.
“Ito ang first game ko in one year and six months at talagang bigay-todo ako at dinoble ko yung effort ko para sa team,” said Abueva.
Coach Topex Robinson, who fought tears three days prior over the difficulty of having to wait for Abueva to come back, could only be delighted with having him back.
“It’s really magical that he’s here,” said Robinson, who saw Abueva make key plays down the stretch.
Abueva’s basket with 3:25 remaining gave the Fuel Masters a 103-102 lead while triggering a 7-0 run that included a tough jumper from Matthew Wright and Justin Chua converting a three that made it 108-102, 1:41 left.
NLEX leveled the count at 108-all on JR Quinahan’s corner triple with exactly a minute left, but Abueva forced his way inside against Kiefer Ravena before converting a basket to put Phoenix back in front 110-108, 42.4 to go.
Wright finished with 28 points on 12-of-20 shooting, Jason Perkins had 20 points and 13 rebounds before fouling out and Chua added 19 points for Phoenix in the game that saw nine ties and 14 lead changes.
Raul Soyud scored a career-high 27 points in a performance that continued his improved play while Quinahan and Ravena scored 18 points apiece for NLEX.
Those numbers, however, were not enough as the Road Warriors dropped to 1-5.
The scores:
PHOENIX 114 — Wright 28, Abueva 21, Perkins 20, Chua 19, Rios 10, Garcia 6, Jazul 4, Heruela 4, Intal 2, Marcelo 0, Gamboa 0.
NLEX 110 — Soyud 27, Quinahan 18, Ravena 18, Alas 15, McAloney 14, Cruz 8, Miranda 6, Semerad 2, Ayonayon 2, Varilla 0, Ighalo 0.
Quarters: 27-30, 60-58, 86-85, 114-110.