Magnolia forward Calvin Abueva. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—Calvin Abueva rose to the occasion and hit the game-winning layup at the buzzer to lift Magnolia past NorthPort, 90-89, in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup Friday at DHVSU Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.
Rome dela Rosa’s inbound pass found the cutting Abueve, who to muscle his way against two defenders to get a clean look from underneath that gave the Hotshots the win and a 7-3 record.
Kevin Ferrer first gave the Batang Pier the 89-88 lead with 2.6 seconds remaining in the game after Paul Lee blundered on a technical free throw just four seconds before.
But Magnolia managed to salvage the game, clinching a playoff spot in the process.
Calvin FTW!!!
90-89 Magnolia over NorthPort#PBAiTuloyAngLaban pic.twitter.com/QfXhvoYGcM
— PBA (@pbaconnect) September 17, 2021
Magnolia had the early control in the game taking a 26-12 lead after the first quarter but the match devolved into a tit-for-tat with the two teams trading counters in the second half.
Ian Sangalang finished with a game-high 26 points with 10 rebounds to lead Magnolia while Abueva had 15 points, five rebounds, four assists, four steals, and two blocks.
Greg Slaughter, who was subbed out in the final possession, had 21 points eight rebounds, and five blocks to lead the Batang Pier who dropped to a 4-5 record at the eighth seed.