Due to what he said was a nagging hip issue, Calvin Abueva missed Magnolia’s second straight game on Friday against Terrafirma in the PBA Philippine Cup.

The veteran forward said that during the Hotshots’ game against the Blackwater Bossing at Ninoy Aquino Stadium on April 17, he made the injury worse.

He continued to suit up for Magnolia’s 108-102 victory over Rain or Shine at the Tiaong Convention Center as well as the team’s subsequent 98-91 defeat to San Miguel.

Nevertheless, after Magnolia was held to its lowest total production in franchise history in a 74-51 loss, he chose to miss the Hotshots’ game against the Meralco Bolts.

When the club plays TNT on Sunday to wrap up its elimination round assignment, Abueva wants to be back in action.

Chot Reyes vented to TNT after the team’s shocking loss to Converge, which significantly affected their chances of making the PBA Philippine Cup playoffs.

Guard Roger Pogoy declined to comment on the specific environment that was inside the Tropang Giga dugout at the Philsports Arena shortly after they were crushed 107-103 by the FiberXers.

“Gali si Coach” Pogoy remarked. 

Who wouldn’t be, particularly for a team fighting for a quarterfinal spot, only to blow the opportunity against a rival who is playing just for pride and has nothing to gain from a victory?

With a win, TNT would have advanced directly to the next round, where it would have joined San Miguel and Barangay Ginebra, the early qualifiers.

The Tropang Giga will now need to compete against six other teams in a close struggle for the final six quarterfinal spots.

Sunday’s game, which Pogoy stated is a “must-win” for the Tropang Giga, takes place at Ninoy Aquino Stadium on the last day of the eliminations against the Hotshots.

Pogoy was also unable to address the issues facing TNT at the moment, as the team is typically trailing early in games and attempting to catch up in the latter stages in an attempt to win.