After separating ways weeks ago, Calvin Abueva and Alaska will cross paths for the first time in the 2018 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup.
Currently tied at the top, the Aces and the Fuel Masters, who both share the leadership with 2-0 starts, figure in an anticipated clash at 7 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum today to see who between them claims solo first place.
In the appetizer, NLEX (2-1) looks to regain steam when it goes up against still winless Columbian Dyip (0-2) at 4:30 p.m.
Looking to move forward, Alaska decided to part ways with Abueva more than a month ago in its off-season as it shipped him to Phoenix in exchange for a 2019 first-round pick and Karl Dehesa.
So far, the trade are benefiting both squads as they are enjoying early success in the tournament.
Both are coming off smashing victories just last Sunday.
With Simon Enciso’s career-high of 30 points, Alaska stunningly drubbed TNT KaTropa, 125-96.
Phoenix followed suit and annihilated Northport by 41 points, 132-91.
Abueva’s first two games in Phoenix were a smashing success as they both resulted in wins.
The 6’2” workhorse averaged 12 points, 9.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists as he was critical in the Fuel Masters’ early success.
Facing his former team certainly brings excitement to the enigmatic swingman.
“Focused kami. It’s a good match-up with Alaska. Enjoy ‘yan,” said Abueva in terms of facing his former team for the first time since getting traded.
Before Abueva got traded, he was suspended by Alaska last conference for suddenly going AWOL after the All-Star break.
In the second game, the Road Warriors, who also started out at 2-0 before dropping their last assignment, want to keep in-step with Alaska and Phoenix as they hope to get back to their early winning ways.”‹