AFTER a long 16-month layoff, the man known as “The Beast,” Calvin Abueva, was finally unleashed and promptly led the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters to a resounding 114-110 win over the NLEX Road Warriors in the 2020 PBA Philippine Cup on Monday, October 25, at the AUF Sports Arena and Cultural Center in Pampanga.

In his first game since his suspension was lifted on Sunday, Abueva hit the ground running as he compiled 21 points, 13 rebounds, seven assists and a steal to help Phoenix come back from a 14-point deficit in the third quarter to eventually pick up their fourth win in six games.

The 6-foot-2 forward also canned a layup over NLEX star Kiefer Ravena with 44 seconds left that gave the Fuel Masters a 110-107 lead. After NLEX missed on their offensive, Phoenix center Justin Chua made two free-throws to seal the win for the Fuel Masters and send the Road Warriors tumbling down the standings at 1-5 (win-loss).

Matthew Wright led Phoenix with 28 points, four rebounds and five assists, while Jason Perkins added 20 markers and 13 boards before fouling out in the fourth canto. Chua chipped in 19 points, including two triples in the fourth that helped fuel Phoenix’s surge in front.

The loss spoiled the career-night of NLEX big man Raul Soyud, who scored 27 points on 12-of-14 shooting. Ravena and Cebuano JR Quiñahan had 18 points apiece, while rookie big man Will McAloney added 14 points. (JNP)