Magnolia forward Calvin Abueva. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—Calvin Abueva fell a point short of a double-double as Magnolia remained unbeaten after walloping slumping San Miguel Beer, 94-65, in the PBA On Tour on Sunday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Abueva finished with nine points and 16 rebounds in 19 minutes off the bench to help the Hotshots improve to a perfect 8-0 record and move three victories shy of sweeping the exhibition series.
Coach Chito Victolero said they kept Abueva under minutes restriction to make sure he can slowly get back to his old self after being sidelined to rest his injured leg.
“We’re putting him every four to five minutes to try and break him in,” said Victolero in Filipino. “His timing is there, but he’s doing well. There was a bit of eagerness to play, that’s the Calvin Abueva that we know.
Abueva entered the game midway in the first quarter to the cheers of the crowd who was pleased to see one of the league’s top attractions on the floor.
Magnolia center James Laput. PBA IMAGES
James Laput continued his impressive play with 21 points and 11 rebounds as Magnolia feasted on a San Miguel side that once fielded just nine players.
Jerrick Ahanmisi, Jio Jalalon and Abu Tratter also scored in double figures to also play key roles in the win.
Jericho Cruz had 15 points after being tossed in Friday’s win over TNT for hitting Paul Varilla but the Beermen absorbed their seventh loss in 10 games.
The Beermen have dropped six of seven after a 2-1 record to open the On Tour.
The scores:
MAGNOLIA 94—Laput 21, Jalalon 11, Tratter 11, Ahanmisi 10, Abueva 9, Eriobu 9, Mendoza 7, Corpuz 5, Dela Rosa 5, Murrell 3, Barroca 1, Lee 0.
SAN MIGUEL 65—Cruz 15, Brondial 12, Bulanadi 10, Faundo 9, Dela Cruz 8, Dela Cruz 8, Baclao 5, Lee 2, Apacible 2, Lazarte 2.
Quarters: 24-14, 48-35, 66-56, 94-65.