Calvin Abueva haunts former team as Magnolia downs Phoenix

Calvin Abueva showed what his former team is missing as he powered the Magnolia Hotshots to an 80-73 victory over the Phoenix Super LPG Fuelmasters in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig on Saturday.

Traded from Phoenix to Magnolia in the offseason, Abueva did not take long to show his form as he piled up 26 points, 10 rebounds and three assists in a whopping 37 minutes of action. More importantly, the man known as “The Beast” showed up when Magnolia needed him the most.

Tied at 68-all with 4:44 to go, Abueva scored six straight to put Magnolia up by six, 74-68. Phoenix rallied to pull within one, 73-74, but Magnolia got six free-throws from Abueva, Mark Barroca and Paul Lee down the stretch to secure the victory.

Although Lee struggled from the field, shooting just 5-of-19, he still finished with 21 points and six rebounds.

Matthew Wright led Phoenix with 20 points, four boards and eight assists while Vic Manuel added 16 points and 10 boards. (JNP)