The Titan Ultra Giant Risers kept their slim PBA Philippine Cup playoff hopes alive on Sunday with a 127-119 come-from-behind victory over the Phoenix Fuel Masters. As he has done time and again this conference, Calvin Abueva carried a heavy load for the Giant Risers, putting up 35 points, including 20 in the first half alone, on top of 17 rebounds and 4 assists in yet another monster outing.
Abueva, for his massive effort, was fittingly adjudged Best Player of the Game afterward. But in the postgame presser right after, The Beast deflected credit, instead praising his teammates’ great effort as the reason Titan Ultra beat Phoenix for its fourth win against six losses.
“Sa mga teammates ko, kung hindi aggressive ‘yong ipinakita nila, hindi namin makukuha ‘tong game na ‘to,” Abueva said about the Giant Risers, who played inspired all throughout. “Especially nagkaisa kami, ginusto namin ito, and ‘wag na namin sayangin.”
Aris Dionisio and Joshua Munzon were among the Giant Risers who rose to the occasion, with each chipping in 21 points. Fran Yu stepped up as well with 14 points and 10 assists, as did Jerrick Balanza, who added 17.
Now, Titan Ultra has a chance to make the playoffs.
Calvin Abueva Waits for Ginebra
The work isn’t done yet, though. Titan Ultra must pray that the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters beat Barangay Ginebra San Miguel later today to set up a do-or-die clash for the eighth and final quarterfinals slot. Regardless, Calvin Abueva is already looking forward to that possible playoff decider.
“Itong game na ‘to, important sa’min kasi one step ahead. Ginebra na lang, quarters na,” Abueva said. “Kaya it’s a good thing for us na nandito kami ngayon, nakikipagsapalaran sa mga matataas na teams. Kaya ito, ‘wag na namin sayangin ‘to.”
Should Rain or Shine give the Giant Risers that much-needed assist, Calvin Abueva will get his wish: Ginebra versus Titan Ultra, one game for that last quarterfinals slot. It isn’t a done deal just yet, but it would be must-see TV for sure if it happens.
That game, incidentally, is the last one of the elimination round.
