CALVIN Abueva offered no excuses after Phoenix's heartbreaking 100-97 defeat to Ginebra on Sunday night in the 2019 PBA Philippine Cup - or the Japeth Aguilar block that denied him a basket late.
"Mahaba eh. Wala tayong magagawa. Open, pero na-Japeth Aguilar eh," he said.
With Ginebra up by just a point at 98-97, Aguilar met Abueva up top and foiled his attempt at a go-ahead undergoal stab for the Fuel Masters with four seconds left.
Abueva, who had 15 points and 11 rebounds in the loss, stuck to the positives after the game, saying he remains upbeat as he likes how his side is performing heading into the playoffs.
"Muntik pa nga kaming manalo eh," Abueva said in jest. "Ang importante, ginawa namin ang trabaho namin ng maayos. Nandoon pa rin yung sistema namin na maglaro as a team."
That's why Abueva is confident on Phoenix's chances for its last assignment against San Miguel on Saturday in Panabo City, Davao del Norte as a win over the defending champions will secure for the Fuel Masters the No. 1 spot.
"Paghahandaan namin ito. Crucial na game ito para nasa top-seed kami," he said.
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