Abueva punishes former team as Magnolia tops Phoenix
Magnolia’s new forward Calvin Abueva. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines — Calvin Abueva gave his former team fits as Magnolia scraped past Phoenix, 80-73, in the Philippine Cup Saturday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Abueva recorded 26 points, and 10 rebounds in his debut for the Hotshots, who acquired the relentless forward via trade with Phoenix last February.
Paul Lee added 21 points including a pair of free throws with 10 ticks left to put the game out of reach.
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A three-point play by Matthew Wright cut Magnolia’s lead to one with 2:12 remaining but the Hotshots responded by hitting five free throws.
Phoenix playmaker Chris Banchero, who was part of the deal centered around Abueva, did not play due to a sprained ankle. His status is day-to-day, as per the Fuel Masters.
The Hotshots feasted at the line with 24 more free throw attempts than the Fuel Masters. They went 22-of-32 from the stripe.
