Calvin Abueva came up clutch to save Magnolia from the jaws of defeat, draining the game-winner against NorthPort, 90-89, in the PBA Philippine Cup at the DHVSU Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga on Friday, September 17.

Abueva shrugged off two defenders to nail the last-second shot underneath the basket as the Hotshots bolstered their bid for a twice-to-beat bonus in the playoffs with a 7-3 record.

It was a frantic ending as Batang Pier forward Sean Anthony got slapped with a technical foul with seven seconds left and his side trailing 87-88 after signaling for a timeout despite his team already running out of one.

But Paul Lee missed the technical free throw that would have given Magnolia a two-point cushion.

The booboo, though, benefited NorthPort, which managed to draw up a play that set up Kevin Ferrer – scoreless throughout the game – for the go-ahead layup plus the foul, 89-88, with 3.9 ticks remaining.

Ferrer, however, muffed the bonus free throw as Abueva sank the crucial bucket that completed the Hotshots’ comeback from a double-digit hole.

Ian Sangalang paced Magnolia 26 points and 10 rebounds, while Abueva impressed with 15 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals, and 2 blocks.

Paul Lee added 13 points and 5 assists, Mark Barroca chimed in 10 points and 8 assists, while Rome dela Rosa added another 10 points in the win.

The Batang Pier enjoyed a 17-point advantage in the opening quarter but they slowly saw their lead vanish as the Hotshots entered the final period with a 68-67 edge.

Greg Slaughter led the charge for NorthPort with 21 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 blocks, but he got pulled out in the final play as coach Pido Jarencio opted for speed by subbing him out for Sidney Onwubere.

Anthony put up 16 points and 6 rebounds in the loss, which dropped the Batang Pier to 4-5.

The Scores

Magnolia 90 – Sangalang 26, Abueva 15, Lee 13, Barroca 10, Dela Rosa 10, Ahanmisi 8, Dionisio 6, Jalalon 2, Corpuz 0, Reavis 0. 

NorthPort 89 – Slaughter 21, Anthony 16, Taha 14, Malonzo 14, Bolick 10, Onwubere 4, Lanete 4, Rike 2, Balanza 2, Ferrer 2, Elorde 0, Grey 0.

Quarters: 12-26, 44-47, 68-67,  90-89. 

– Rappler.com