By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Magnolia Chicken Timplados continued its mastery in the ongoing PBA On Tour Preseason after demolishing the San Miguel Beermen, 94-65, to grab its eighth-straight win last July 9, 2023, held at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Despite several rotation tweaks to maximize the full potential of their roster, the Chicken Timplados seemed to finally have the right mix after dominating the former Philippine Cup champions for four-straight quarters.
After a run-and-gun approach in the first quarter led by their quick frontcourt, the Chicken Timplados opted to play at the post in the second frame and still put up a decent amount of points to take control of the matchup.
Calvin Abueva, Magnolia’s superstar forward who was out during the past games due to an injury, finally suited up for the team and picked up where he left off last season.
Abueva was the same old energy guy for his team and finished the convincing victory with an almost double-double performance of nine points and 16 rebounds.
The former PBA champion was vintage despite a limited playing time and schooled the Beermen in the battle of the boards, grabbing every offensive rebound once he planted his foot in his desired position in the shaded lane.
Magnolia head coach Chito Victolero was even surprised with the performance shown by his star player and lauded him with the energy he brought that helped the team grab the win.
“Once you put him on the floor, ang dami niyang magagawa. Yun lang, sabi ko nga, kailangan lang limitahan ‘yung minutes niya, at the same time, sumama siya doon sa sistema ng ginagawa naming,” said Victolero after the victory.
James Laput, Magnolia’s big man who is currently fighting for his playing time for the upcoming PBA season, backstopped Abueva with a flawless double-double performance of 21 points and 11 rebounds.
The Chicken Timplados will look to remain undefeated and grab its ninth-straight win when they battle the tough and physical Rain or Shine squad on July 15 to be held in Dumaguete.
