PBA: Why Calvin Abueva did not play down the stretch in Game Two of Alaska-SMB finals duel

During the endgame of the tightly contested Game 2 of the finals series between Alaska and San Miguel Beer, one thing was going on in the minds of Gatas Republic fans: Where is Calvin Abueva?

With the Beermen making a late run, the entry of The Beast back in the game seemed to be in order for the Aces. But Abueva remained in the bench, and Alaska was left absorbing at a 103-95 loss for a 0-2 hole in the best-of-seven finals series.

"I was gonna put back in but remember he slammed his thumb in the ring. It's really bruised. I wanted to put him back in but hindi niya kaya," head coach Alex Compton said when asked about his prized forward during the post-game press conference.

Abueva injured his thumb in Game 1 of the Governors' Cup finals last Friday, limiting his minutes in their 108-78 blowout loss. He came off the bench as usual in Game 2 with his finger taped, and played 12 quality minutes for the Aces as he finished with 13 points, four rebounds, and three assists.

Fans speculated he could have changed the complexion of the game had he played more minutes for Alaska, but he didn't see action in the last seven minutes of the match.

"Kanina sabi ko hindi na ako papasok kasi natanggal ko na 'yung tape. Nung last seconds sabi ko next game na lang," Abueva said after the game.

"Okay naman ako, pero s'yempre sinuportahan ko lang," he added. "Third game, okay na." - RAF, GMA News