PBA says Calvin Abueva did not commit a 5-second violation in game-winning play

The PBA made it clear the Calvin Abueva did not commit a 5-second violation during Magnolia’s game-winning play against Brgy. Ginebra in Game 2 of the best-of-five semifinals in the PBA Season 47 Commissioner’s Cup, Friday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

Abueva was able to inbound the ball in a timely manner to Paul Lee who almost turned it over but recovered just in time to sink the short stab which gave the Hotshots the victory, 96-95, and leveled the series at 1-game apiece.

Deputy Commissioner Eric Castro insisted that there was no violation during the inbound play with 5.1 ticks left on the game clock and the Gin Kings up by a solitary point.

The clarification had to be made as several Brgy. Ginebra fans took to social media to protest the apparent non-call on the crucial play which resulted in the winning basket. Fans argued that ‘The Beast’ took more than the allowed 5 seconds to pass the ball to a player inside the court.

While its supporters felt that there was a violation, Brgy. Ginebra coaches and players kept mum and nobody bothered to raise an issue with the game officials about a possible infraction.

The non-call on Abueva coupled by Lee’s game-winner is expected to add more spice to the semis showdown between the Manila Clasico rivals with the ejection of Magnolia import Nick Rakocevic in the series opener already making the duel more intense.

The two sides will clash in pivotal Game 3 on Sunday, December 18, 6:45pm at the same venue.

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