Alaska’s got ace in rookie, slams Petron

Games today (Ynares Center-Antipolo)

5:45 p.m. – Rain or Shine vs Globalport

8 p.m. – San Mig Coffee vs Talk n Text

MANILA, Philippines - Calvin Abueva turned to be a real gem of a draft acquisition for Alaska Milk right in his pro debut, churning out a double-double game to help the Aces get past a stunned Petron Blaze side, 88-86, in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last night.

Abueva, the season’s No. 2 draft pick, grabbed a game-high 16 rebounds and rifled in 12 points, and Dondon Hontiveros also put up a big game playing against his former team as Alaska posted its second straight win following a 102-86 victory over the Barako Bull Energy Cola last Sunday.

Hontiveros poured in 15 of his 17 points in the payoff period, leading Alaska’s charge from 12 points down to deal Petron Blaze a third loss against a lone win.

Alaska coach Luigi Trillo acknowledged the great efforts put in by Abueva and Hontiveros as he notched his first back-to-back victories in pro play.

With those wins, Trillo has matched the two victories he handed the franchise in the last Governors Cup.

Trillo also expressed confidence they can compete with the lineup he’s got now.

“(There’s still) lot of work to do. But you build the team you feel you can win. We have tough guys here,” said Trillo, particularly pointing to Abueva and Hontiveros.

“It’s just nice to have Calvin as he brings so much to the team energy-wise. He can play all 1-2-3-4-5 spots. It’s just how you use him. He’s a special breed,” said Trillo of Abueva.

“He’s a veteran who has found a fountain of youth. He’s a winner and he’s awesome,” said Trillo of Hontiveros.

Hontiveros said he was inspired playing against his former team while Abueva said he prepared himself for this particular game.

“I know it’s tough. I just told myself I’m going to double the effort I used to exert in college ball,” said Abueva, the former San Sebastian do-it-all star who had 17 double-double games and four three-double jobs in his farewell season in the NCAA.

He brought in all his positive traits in his Alaska debut, playing 21 minutes in the second half – first at small forward, then at power forward and for a brief stretch at center.

“I can’t remember a player that plays 4-5 with quickness like him. But of course, he’s just 6-1,” said Trillo.

A good number of Abueva fans showed up, adding up to the Alaska throng in the league.

Mick Pennisi fired away a killer three-pointer to highlight a 500th career game as Barako Bull checked a two-game losing skein in topping Barangay Ginebra, 92-82, in the nightcap.

They were animated as the Aces waged a battle in the fourth quarter, racing ahead, 85-80, on a run highlighted by six three-pointers from Hontiveros and RJ Jazul.

Abueva tossed in eight of his 12 markers in the final half, holding his ground against Arwind Santos and Jay Washington.

“I really prepared for this and that’s the reason why I endured all the pushes and bumps I got in the game,” said Abueva.