Debutant Abueva stars in Alaska’s win over Petron Blaze

Calvin Abueva made his much-anticipated pro debut for Alaska Friday night and was good as advertised.
The under-sized power forward shot 12 points and had 16 rebounds, becoming the steadying factor the Aces sorely need as Alaska nipped powerhouse Petron Blaze, 88-86, in the PBA Philippine Cup eliminations at the Araneta Coliseum.
Alaska actually came back from 12 points down in the third period, also getting a huge lift from Dondon Hontiveros in the final quarter for the Aces’ second straight win and a level 2-2 card.
Petron blew a 65-53 lead near the waning seconds of the third and the Boosters, the hands-down team to beat in pre-tournament polls, took a second straight loss flush on the kisser for a 1-3 record.
The Boosters were without top rookie pick June Mar Fajardo, who will be out for at least a month after undergoing surgery to repair an injured scrotum.
And it was Abueva who was undoubtedly the rookie of the game, more than holding his own against the big men of Petron, with his 16 rebounds totally an impressive number considering that he stands just a shade under 6-feet and 2-inches.
“He is just an ‘Energizer Bunny,” Alaska coach Luigi Trillo said with Abueva and Hontiveros seated beside him in the press room. “He brings so much to the team. I played him just six minutes in the first half and then I just let him be Calvin (in the second).”
Trillo didn’t even mind if Abueva picked up his fourth foul early in the fourth period, playing the former NCAA MVP with San Sebastian the rest of the way and cashing in on his gamble after Abueva hit four straight points that capped a 15-3 run for 80-75.
Hontiveros, on the other hand, hit four triples in the fourth quarter, finished with 15 for the period and 17 for the game in his brightest performance for Alaska.
“We still have a lot of work to do,” Trillo added. “We have some tough guys in this team and you can’t teach heart (which these guys have). But I think we have the pieces here.”
Hontiveros’ last triple came with 2:50 remaining, and it shattered the game’s last deadlock at 80 before JV Casio hit two free throws off a silly Alex Cabagnot foul that restored a five-point Alaska lead, 85-80, going into the final 1:53.
“It was tough. I just practiced for four days and I get to play against Petron in my first game,” Abueva said in Filipino. “This is the PBA, and I will double whatever effort I gave during my collegiate years.
“I’m ready for the physical play,” Abueva said. “I prepared my body for this.”
Chris Lutz scored 20 points to pace Petron.
In the second game, Barako Bull completed a day of reversals after posting a 92-82 conquest of Barangay Ginebra.
Sean Anthony scored 21 points and Josh Urbiztondo added 19 for the Energy, who also raised their record to 2-2 after snapping a two-game losing streak.
The Gin Kings, who got 21 points from reigning MVP Mark Caguioa, also slipped to 2-2 with their second straight setback.