Abueva Bags Second PBA Player Of The Week Plum

Calvin Abueva captured his second Accel-PBA Press Corps Player of the Week in the Oppo-PBA Commissioner’s Cup after spearheading Alaska’s back-to-back wins for the period of March 7-13.

The undersized Alaska wingman was at his best defensively last Wednesday, hounding Barangay Ginebra import Othyus Jeffers all game long to help the Aces pull off an 86-80 win.

Abueva also flashed his all-around effort after finishing the game with 17 points, nine rebounds and four assists to help the streaking Alaska squad snap Ginebra’s three-game winning streak.

Three days later, Abueva was in beast mode again, this time punishing an undermanned GlobalPort side with an array of shots from inside and outside to lead Alaska to a thrilling 103-101 win at the Cuneta Astrodome.

The former PBA Rookie of the Year finished with a new career-high 29 points, on top of 14 rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocks as the Aces secure the solo lead with their fifth straight win.

Alaska improved to 5-1 overall.

Alaska coach Alex Compton said Abueva has matured a lot since entering the league as the second overall pick in the 2012 PBA Rookie Draft.

“I feel like he’s (Abueva) maturing. And his energy I don’t think has changed one bit because he still has that boundless energy and enthusiasm that helps him make plays,” Compton said of his prized ward.

Abueva beat out the likes of Rain or Shine big man JR Quinahan, Star veteran guard Peter June Simon and Tropang TNT backup guard Jai Reyes for the weekly citation.

Alaska will be shooting for its sixth straight win this Wednesday when the Aces clash with San Miguel Beer in their first meeting since Game Seven of the PBA Philippine Cup last January. (PNA) SCS/JFM/PR