Abueva remains happy despite loss entering Christmas break

MANILA, Philippines – The Alaska Aces had their 3-game winning streak snapped on Friday, December 23, against Troy Rosario and the rest of TNT KaTropa, dropping Calvin Abueva and company’s record to 3-3 – in the middle of the PBA Philippine Cup standings as Christmas approaches.

Rosario finished with 26 points, going 8-of-13 from the field including 6 made 3-pointers. As a team, TNT shot 45% from the field and 14-of-31 from deep.

“Siguro [naging] overconfident kami, pero syempre, hindi dahil sa overconfident kami, hindi kami lalaban. Hangang dulo talaga pinakita namin yung aggressive namin,” was what Abueva said following the contest, where he accounted for 18 points, 12 boards, and 4 dimes, but fouled out late.

(I guess we became overconfident, but of course, just because we were overconfident, it doesn’t mean we won’t fight. Until the end, we displayed our aggressiveness.)

The Aces played aggressive defense until the game’s conclusion, pressing TNT full court but also getting called for fouls. Alaska, however, committed 21 turnovers and made just 20-of-35 from the foul stripe.

(WATCH: Calvin Abueva flashes middle finger after hitting 3-pointer)

“Kailangan namin mag tsaga pa. Star yung [next na] kalaban namin, tapos parang maayos na rin yung team nila, kaya syempre kailangan namin pag handaan,” said Abueva.

(We need to be more disciplined. Star’s our next opponent, and they’re playing well now, so we need to prepare for them.)

Alaska won’t play again until Wednesday, January 11, when it takes on the Hotshots who are scheduled to play rival Ginebra on Christmas Day.

“Syempre masaya may break, pero syempre natalo, kaya happy nalang,” said Abueva.

(Of course I’m happy there’s a break, but we did lose, so I’ll just be happy.)

Abueva, who says he plans to rest at his home in Manila instead of going back to Pampanga, also said he wants his Aces to keep their aggression once their schedule resumes.

“Pagiging aggressive pa namin. Hindi kami nag gi-give up hangang sa huling (second).”

(We need to stay aggressive. We shouldn’t give up until the last second.) – Rappler.com