MANILA, Philippines—Rain or Shine got a big boost from an unlikely source on Thursday night.
Calvin Abueva has been Alaska’s best player in the semifinals. And he was again all over the floor in Game 4—scoring, rebounding and hustling until he resorted into hitting when an all-important game was on the line.
“We were helped a lot by the stupid move by (Calvin) Abueva,” said Rain of Shine head coach Yeng Guiao after the Elasto Painters leveled the series at 2-2.
Guiao was referring to Abueva’s play with under two minutes left when he smacked ROS guard Jonathan Uyloan on the chest with what appeared to be a punch that cost him an ejection upon review.
The Painters were leading by just three, 92-89, with still 1:43 remaining and just seconds after Abueva’s disqualifying foul, the Aces were out of it—trailing by seven, 96-89, following a free throw by Uyloan and a big corner triple by Gabe Norwood.
Abueva had 14 points, seven rebounds and six assists before he was thrown out.
“Nakatulong yun (that helped) but we can’t rely on him making some more stupid moves in the future. We just have to win it on our own,” Guiao added.
Abueva, who is averaging 17 points and 10.5 rebounds in the semis, declined an interview with a small group of reporters who waited outside Alaska’s dugout at the Mall of Asia Arena. Although he did say “just play” several times with a huge grin on his face as he walked by scribes.
The pivotal Game 5 is on Saturday also at the MOA Arena.
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