NorthPort Batang Pier’s Calvin Abueva during a PBA Philippine CUp game against NLEX Road Warriors. –PBA IMAGES
NorthPort snapped one of the longest losing streaks in the PBA Philippine Cup on Wednesday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium — with a big boost from new recruit Calvin Abueva.
Though already out of playoff contention, the Batang Pier shifted into high gear behind Abueva’s energy and pulled off a 113-108 win over NLEX.
READ: PBA: Calvin Abueva shares cryptic posts after trade to Northport
Cade Flores delivered a career-high 26 points and 15 rebounds and was named Best Player of the Game, but he credited Abueva for elevating the team’s overall energy.
“Having somebody that has that same energy [as me] when it comes to practice, it really helps lift our spirits and the energy of the team,” said Flores.
NorthPort Batang Pier’s Calvin Abueva during a PBA Philippine CUp game against NLEX Road Warriors. –PBA IMAGES
“He’s pushing everybody else to play hard. He plays hard, so everybody has to play hard to match him — which makes him a good addition to our team.”
READ: PBA: Calvin Abueva will be ‘big help’ for Northport, says Jalalon
Abueva looked like The Beast of old, finishing with 19 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and five steals in just his second game for NorthPort since being traded by Magnolia for William Navarro.
Despite the late arrival, assistant coach Rensy Bajar said they were confident Abueva would make an immediate impact — even against a strong team like the Road Warriors.
“Calvin’s a very positive player and he helps us a lot,” said Bajar, deputy to head coach Bonnie Tan.
“He was a late addition to our team but he’s still very professional. He practices well and he’s encouraging other players like Cade. Their competition in practice is next-level.”
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NorthPort hopes to ride Abueva’s momentum into its final Philippine Cup game on Sunday against San Miguel Beer at Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo.
