May 01, 2024

Magnolia coach Chito Victolero on Calvin Abueva's do-it-all game after PBA suspension: 'Sana magtuluy-tuloy'

Magnolia coach Chito Victolero on Calvin Abueva
Calvin Abueva of Magnolia soars above his NorthPort defender Zave Lucero in their PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup clash. | Photo (c) PBA

There’s no question Calvin Abueva was instrumental in Magnolia’s return to the win column in the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup.

Abueva filled in his stat line with six points, 12 rebounds and seven assists following a one-game suspension to contribute to the Hotshots' 104-97 thrilling victory over Northport at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Wednesday, April 10.

The mercurial forward was also slapped with a P20,000 fine after flashing a middle finger to a fan in Magnolia's loss to Ginebra on March 31, Easter Sunday. He did not see action in the Hotshots' second successive defeat to NLEX last April 6, Saturday.

[ALSO READ: PBA: Magnolia's Ian Sangalang overcomes tough challenge from NorthPort's Zav Lucero en route to career night]

“We missed him because Calvin played multiple positions for us,” Victolero said of Abueva.

Calvin Abueva goes for a layup in Magnolia's match against NorthPort in the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup. | Photo (c) PBA

Indeed, Abueva did almost everything as the Hotshots arrested a two-game skid. But Victolero was also quick to bring up the absences of Rome dela Rosa and Aris Dionisio who were out with ankle injuries as Magnolia struggled to come up with two victories in its first four outings.

The Hotshots currently sit at the eighth spot.

[WATCH: PBA Game Highlights: Magnolia outlasts NorthPort for bounce-back victory]

“Actually, we missed the three guys. Those guys, Aris, Rome, and Calvin can play multiple positions. That’s why we had a hard time matching up with NLEX. At the same time, hindi kami mabuo sa ensayo,” he said.

“Good thing si Calvin, nag-step up ngayon. Nakatulong siya sa team niya. Sana magtuluy-tuloy.”

[ALSO READ: PBA: Magnolia gets Jerrick Balanza in trade with Converge as Hotshots make playoff push]

Victolero is hoping he could get the whole team together as the Hotshots make the push for the playoffs.