Injured Calvin Abueva vows Alaska adjustments after Game One loss

Calvin Abueva played arguably his worst game of the playoffs in Alaska's 105-97 loss against Rain or Shine in Game One of their best-of-seven finals series on Friday night.

 

The Beast scored only nine points off a measly 4-of-13 shooting, though he did finish with 10 rebounds and three assists for the Aces.

 

Abueva, who was given the rare starting duty for Alaska, scored seven points in the first half, but he was not quite the same again after hurting his ankle late in the second quarter.

 

"Masakit, kumukirot, pero as a player, pagdating ng crucial, di mo na iintindihin yan. Kinapos lang talaga," said the Alaska forward, refusing to make excuses for their endgame collapse.

 

The Aces were visibly fatigued from their grueling five-game series against Meralco in the semifinals, yielding an early 24-10 lead against the Elasto Painters.

 

Abueva, however, believed that his team could compete after seeing a solid performance in the mid-quarters to lead 70-65 at one point in the third frame.

 

"Kaya naman namin. Missed rotations lang. Mali 'yung nangyari sa amin kaya 'yun ang rason. Makakapag-adjust pa naman," he said.

 

Rain or Shine was holding a slim 96-94 lead in clutch time, but a defensive breakdown on the full court press left Paul Lee open for a dagger triple.

 

Nevertheless, Abueva vowed that the Aces would bounce back in Game Two with a sharper mental focus to even the series.

 

"Di naman namin papabayaan 'yan," he said. "Di pa naman ito 'yung huli, eh. Best-of-seven, may adjustment pa na mangyayari."

 

The two teams will clash on Sunday for Game Two. — DVM, GMA News