PBA: 'The Beast' is San Miguel's biggest worry against Alaska

Alaska has a lot to worry about in the Philippine Cup finals, with reigning Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo manning the San Miguel Beer front court. 

 

But the Aces also have someone who could cause headaches for the Beermen: a Beast who goes by the name of Calvin Abueva.

 

Now on his third year in the league, the 6-foot-3 forward has bounced back from the sophomore slump and turned into Alaska's heart and soul this conference.

 

The Pampanga native averages 15.8 points and 11.6 rebounds per game, and had two monster performances in the eliminations. He finished with 26 points and 22 rebounds against Talk 'n Text and pulled another 23 points and 20 boards output against Kia Sorento.

 

"Hindi siya tatawaging 'The Beast' kung wala siyang ipapakita," said SMB coach Leo Austria on Abueva. "It's obvious in the series against Rain or Shine he's the X-factor."

 

Abueva averaged 16.5 points per game in the semifinals against the Elasto Painters. He shot 53 percent from the field and grabbed 10.3 rebounds, lifting Alaska to the finals after stopping RoS in six games.

 

San Miguel limited him to just five points in their first meeting in the elims, but the Alaska forward had a field day in rebounds with 18 that had been crucial in the Aces' 66-63 victory.

 

Even reigning Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo expressed concern over Abueva's overall hustle and energy. He was outrebounded by two boards in their first meeting with 16 despite his height advantage.

 

"Alam naman natin si Calvin na pag naglalaro 'yun 210 percent lagi 'yan e," he said. "Kung si Calvin maganda 'yung nilalaro, mas lalong gumaganda 'yung nilalaro ng Alaska dahil sa kanya."

 

Fajardo, however, is confident that his teammates Arwind Santos and Ronald Tubid could tame The Beast.

 

"Sana ma-contain namin si Calvin saka ma-minimize namin 'yung energy production niya sa team." —JST, GMA News