Charmie Lising 6y

Calvin Abueva is making up for lost time

Phoenix's newest acquisition Calvin Abueva has been instrumental in the Fuel Masters' 2-0 start in the 2018 Governors' Cup.

On Sunday night, Abueva once again delivered an impressive all-around outing in his second game with his new team. He provided 12 points, six rebounds, four assists, two steals, and a block in just 16 minutes of play to help the Fuel Masters pull off a 41-point drubbing of the NorthPort Batang Pier.

The energetic forward also played quality minutes in his debut against Columbian Dyip last Wednesday, finishing with 12 points, 13 boards, five assists, and three blocks.

The former Alaska star, who missed all but five matches of the last Commissioner's Cup due to an indefinite suspension slapped by the Aces, definitely showed that he was raring to get back on the court.

"I did not play for most of the last conference so I'm making up for lost time now," said Abueva in Filipino. "I just give my best, whatever coach Louie (Alas) and coach Topex (Robinson) ask me to do."

"For me, this is a good start for us because everybody contributed, from the first five to the bench. We brought out our energy," he added.

Undoubtedly, Abueva's presence has been a huge boost for the Phoenix franchise. Returning import Eugene Phelps acknowledged that the Beast was the difference-maker in the team's unbeaten run so far.

"I think Calvin is a big help, you know," said Phelps. "He brings the energy and that's what we're lacking. He brings intensity."

The Fuel Masters' clean record will be at stake when they face the also-undefeated Aces on Wednesday, which Alas said will be a difficult challenge after their back-to-back wins.

"It will be a real test for us because our problem in the last two conferences is how to minimize our turnovers," the Phoenix coach explained. "Since Alaska is the best in forcing turnovers, if we can limit our turnovers against them, it will be a good game for us."

Of course, that contest will also be highly-anticipated as Abueva will clash with his former teammates for the first time since being traded. The dynamic forward insists, however, that he's going to treat it as any other ordinary game tucked in between the Fuel Masters' tough schedule.

"Wednesday is a good matchup, it will be fun. [But] there's no personal agenda," said Abueva. "We're just focusing on our four games this month where we have no rest until the 31st. We're looking to sweep so we can have an early 4-0 advantage."

^ Back to Top ^