PBA: Calvin Abueva shrugs off ankle sprain after Magnolia win

Magnolia Hotshots forward Calvin Abueva in the PBA Governors’ Cup. –PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—Calvin Abueva worried some spectators on Friday at Araneta Coliseum in Magnolia’s first win in Group A of the PBA Governors’ Cup.

Before the Hotshots notched a 105-93 win over Converge, Abueva went down awkwardly in the fourth quarter while holding his left ankle.

Abueva revealed that he sustained a mild ankle sprain but assured the Magnolia fans that he’d be ready to hit the floor again come game time.

“It’s just mild… I’ll rest so when they call me, I’ll be ready,” said Abueva in Filipino.

SCHEDULE: 2024 PBA Governors’ Cup elimination round

“That time, I stole it [the ball] from Justin (Arana) then there was a scramble here and there. Then, when I tried to run, my foot slipped and after that it was like I couldn’t move.”

Abueva figured in a collision course with Arana on a rebound play late in the fourth quarter where the former needed some time to get up from the floor and hit the bench.

Before his benching due to injury, Abueva muscled his way to 10 points and seven rebounds with two steals to match on the defensive end.

READ: PBA: Calvin Abueva suspended, fined after flashing middle finger

Despite limping his way out of the Big Dome, Abueva assured that he’ll be ready for the Hotshots on Monday’s practice.

“It’s just a small sprain so it’s okay. I’ll just rest this and I’ll see them on Monday right away for practice.”

The severity of Abueva’s injury will be seen on Thursday when they face TNT at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.