Abueva, Lee shine in Manila Clasico clash vs Ginebra as Magnolia remains unbeaten

Calvin Abueva made sure his Manila Clasico debut was one for the books.

The enigmatic forward came out strong and helped the Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok get past Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, 89-79, top keep their unblemished record in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup clean on Sunday at the Ynares Sports Arena.

Abueva scored 15 points on 50-percent shooting from the field and grabbed nine rebounds to make his presence felt in the contest.

Paul Lee led Magnolia with 22 points while Ian Sangalang added 17 as well.

Ginebra was led by Stanley Pringle, who finished with 22 points alongside seven rebounds and six assists.

Up by just four at the half, Magnolia erupted in the third quarter, opening the period with an 11-2 run to build a comfortable margin, 57-44.

Abueva then gave the team a lift, scoring eight of the Hotshots’ last 10 points in the third as they maintained a double-digit lead, 67-56, heading into the fourth period.

But Ginebra got its act together in the payoff period to give Magnolia a late scare.

Christian Standhardinger and Pringle quickly drilled a combined 11 points as Ginebra cut the deficit to eight, 75-67. Pringle would later score consecutive baskets to cut it even closer, 79-77, with 3:36 remaining.

But Lee responded with four straight points of his own and he and Mark Barroca hit some free throws down the stretch to ensure Magnolia walked away with the hard-fought victory.

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA News