Abueva blames fatigue for missed crucial freethrows

Alaska’s Calvin Abueva. PBA IMAGES

It was a comeback for the ages, but it was a comeback that failed.

Alaska was on the verge of pulling off another shocker when it rallied back from 20 points down against Ginebra in the PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinals Friday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

But Kings import Justin Brownlee did just enough to put their faithful back with a three-pointer for a 108-104 lead with 9.6 seconds left.

READ: Ginebra survives Alaska to book semis ticket vs SMB

Calvin Abueva had a chance to torment Ginebra as he headed to the line to shoot three freethrows after Japeth Aguilar fouled him on what obviously looked like as an easy ploy to get to the line.

With the Big Dome shaking, Abueva missed everything.

“Talagang pagod na. Ang layo ng hinabol namin para sa opportunity na manalo,” said Abueva after they lost 109-104. “Talagang bigay todo na, pero sumablay na.”

Despite the loss, Abueva still managed to give off that mischievous smile that usually infuriates opposing players and supporters.

“Binigay pa rin natin ng todo. Kinabahan nga sila.”