Abueva working overtime to avoid game 5 for Aces

Calvin Abueva versus Meralco defender. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Even with Alaska just a win away from a return trip to the Finals, Calvin Abueva still is not guaranteeing a semifinals triumph over Meralco.

“Syempre hindi pa tapos yan,” he said after the Aces’ 92-72 Game 3 win over the Bolts on Friday. “Hindi pa kami naninigurado dito kahit 2-1 na yung series o malaki yung lamang namin. Syempre magpe-prepare naman din sila.”

The energetic Kapampangan forward unleashed an all-around performance of 23 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, two steals, and a block to pull Alaska on the hill.

READ: Alaska routs Meralco, inches closer to PBA finals berth

“Basta ako, ginawa ko yung trabaho ko at naglaro ako ng maayos. Talagang hinanda ko yung sarili ko para sa game na to,” he said, glad that there were not any meltdowns this time out after the Aces’ forgettable Game 2 showing.

“Kahit double-double yung average mo, kung hindi naman mananalo yung team, wala rin di ba? Kaya syempre mas iniintindi ko yung manalo yung team kaysa dun sa mga points na nakukuha ko.”

Alaska now has a golden chance to book its ticket to the 2016 Commissioner’s Cup Finals with a Game 4 victory over Meralco.

And with two days to to prepare for the finishing kick, Abueva is hoping that the rest of the Aces will be on their toes on Monday.

“Hindi kami pwede mag-relax sa next game namin. Two days na pahinga ito, kaya talagang two days rest. Makaka-recover yung (Meralco) kaya pagpupursigihan namin na mas matindi yung depensa namin sa kanila sa darating na Game 4,” he said.

“Sa Game 4, talagang buhos na para wala ng Game 5.”