Everything went right for Calvin Abueva and the Magnolia Hotshots against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in Game 2 of their PBA Governor’s Cup quarterfinals series.
Calvin Abueva knows the war against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters is far from over.
“Hindi pa tapos ‘to. Marami pang games na kailangan namin iadjust,” Abuva said in the aftermath of the Magnolia Hotshots’ 121-69 Game 2 victory in their best-of-five quarterfinal series.
But for now, the forward can enjoy Magnolia’s dominating win that saw them record the sixth most lopsided game in league history, according to chief statistician Fidel Mangonon III.
[ALSO READ: PBA: Jabari Bird soars in 52–point Magnolia beating of Rain or Shine, levels QF series]
Abueva showed flashes of his old self after tallying 18 points and 10 rebounds to lead five local Hotshots’ players in double-digits, handing Rain or Shine their worst loss in franchise history.
Through their veteran teammate in Rafi Reavis, Abueva and the rest of the Hotshots were able to settle down with the arrival of new import Jabari Bird, who had 22 points and 13 rebounds in his debut.
“Si Kuya Rafi nagsabi sa'min na kung ano ‘yung ibibigay sa'tin, tanggapin natin,” the 36-year-old revealed.
It also helped that Magnolia was able to win the rebounding battle against Rain or Shine this time around, 67-37, after they got beaten on the boards in Game 1.
“Yung kulang namin nung last game, ‘yun nga nakuha pa namin, nadoble pa namin yung sa rebounds.”
It was a total team effort for the Hotshots with Ian Sangalang chipping 12 points. While Mark Barocca, Rome Dela Rosa and Joseph Eriobu all contributed 11 markers each.
“Hindi naman ito all-about sa import eh, ['yung mga] local din kailangan magcontribute.”
Game 3 is on Sunday, September 29, at Ynares Center-Antipolo.