“Calvin is just being Calvin”: LA Tenorio says exchange with Calvin Abueva was simply brotherly advice

What was supposed to be a straightforward 106-94 victory for the Magnolia Hotshots over the Converge FiberXers instead turned into another chapter of intensity surrounding Calvin Abueva, whose presence once again defined the emotional tone of the game.

The Hotshots moved into a joint seventh spot in the standings alongside San Miguel in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, but the final scoreline was only part of the story as physical play, trash talk, and multiple confrontations unfolded throughout the contest at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Magnolia head coach LA Tenorio found himself briefly drawn into the emotional exchanges with Abueva, who once played under him during earlier professional stops.

“Calvin is just being Calvin. Even when we were playing against each other, he has been like that. He’s the type of player that if you’re irritated by him, talo ka.” said Tenorio.

The tension began escalating late in the third quarter, when Abueva was pulled down while posting up against Alfaro, immediately triggering frustration from the veteran forward. Moments later, in transition, he attempted to disrupt a drive by Magnolia’s Paul Lee but ended up making contact with Lee’s wrist in a contested play, further fueling the rivalry on the floor.

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Tenorio later described his interaction with Abueva as more mentorship than confrontation.

“So it’s just me talking to Calvin and being his kuya also, reminding him to just keep playing,” the former veteran player and now head coach of Magnolia said.

The fourth quarter saw the situation peak. Abueva was first slapped with a technical foul after exchanging words with officials, then just seconds later was involved in another controversial sequence when he caught Zavier Lucero with an elbow in mid-air, resulting in a flagrant foul. Fortunately, Lucero avoided injury and still delivered a strong all-around performance.

“I’m alright, I’m alright,” said the former UP Fighting Maroons.

After the game, Abueva declined to speak to reporters, having already been sanctioned earlier in the conference for comments deemed detrimental to the league.

Tenorio, meanwhile, downplayed the sideline exchange after the final buzzer.

“Wala siya. Nag-walkout din siya. Again, it’s just Calvin being Calvin,” he said.

Despite the emotional undercurrent, Magnolia walked away with the crucial win as they prepare for a tougher stretch ahead, including a matchup against the unbeaten Rain or Shine Elasto Painters on April 25. Converge, on the other hand, looks to regroup quickly as it faces TNT on April 22 at the same venue.

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