Phoenix ace Abueva tackles former team Alaska
PHOENIX ACE Calvin Abueva will be battling his former team Alaska tonight in the Philippine Basketball Association Season 43 Governors’ Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.
Both undefeated in two games, the Aces and the Fuel Masters clash for an early lead in their 7 p.m. encounter.
The Aces looked cohesive in the last two games, beating Meralco (80-72) and TNT KaTropa (125-96), while the Fuel Masters were also impressive in the past two games as they dismantled Columbian Dyip (113-107) and Northport (132-91). Alaska head coach Alex Compton expects the Fuel Masters to play tough especially with the presence of former player Abueva.
“I expect a great game. Phoenix looks really tough right now, Coach Louie (Alas) has taught them playing so well,” said Compton, who will rely on Simon Enciso who erupted for a career best 30 points on top of nine triples in a victory over TNT last Sunday.
“I think this will be a tough game for both teams and an entertaining one for the fans,” added Compton, noting that the people in Phoenix are all his friends and former colleagues.
“There are so many people I care about over there, people that we have a history with it at Alaska. From coach Louie and coach Topex, team manager Paolo Bugia, Calvin, Jaypee Mendoza, and RJ Jazul, there are years of history that we have shared together in PBA battles.”
Besides Enciso, former National Basketball Association Mike Harris and Vic Manuel also pose huge threat for Phoenix.
Fuel Masters mentor Louie Alas admitted that the game against the Aces serves as the team’s biggest test.
“Last conference, our problem is how to minimize our turnovers and Alaska is the best team forcing turnovers. We are looking forward to limit our turnovers. We have a good chance,” said Alas.
Abueva is averaging 12 points, 9.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 2.0 blocks and 1.5 steals in Phoenix's first two games.
“I told him (Abueva) in our last game that we have a big game on Wednesday (against Alaska). I told him just give all your best there,” said Alas.
Seeing action in the opening game at 4:30 p.m. are Northern Luzon Expressway (2-1) and Columbian Dyip (0-2).