Magnolia trying to cool down Abueva following ejection

ASIDE from recharging after a grueling three-game schedule in the last five days, Magnolia will also try to steer Calvin Abueva back into focus following his ejection and outburst in Sunday’s battle with Barangay Ginebra.

Mr. Abueva had an abbreviated stint in the Hotshots’ 89-84 win over the Gin Kings as he was slapped with his second technical foul of the night for taunting and bumping Nards Pinto at the 9:15 mark of the fourth.

It resulted in his banishment and “The Beast’’ left the MOA Arena without even waiting for the final buzzer, uttering “Japan, Japan” and “Bye, PBA” as he did so.

Ian Sangalang, a long-time buddy of Mr. Abueva’s, and coach Chito Victolero expressed confidence the Season 46 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup Best Player of the Conference awardee will regain his bearing quickly.

“Maybe frustrated lang si Calvin sa nangyari, but we’ll move on and move forward from this,” said Mr. Victolero, whose charges improved to 2-3 after topping the Gin Kings for the fourth straight “Manila Clasico” duel.

Magnolia needs all available hands on deck in its effort to climb out of 11th spot, especially with Paul Lee still working his way to recovery from back spasms.

“I don’t know (when Mr. Lee is returning), maybe next game. But we will have Paul (back) kung 100% or at least 95% na siya. We don’t want to rush Paul,” said Mr. Victolero. — Olmin Leyba