Saturday’s game featuring win-hungry squads Blackwater Elite and Star Hotshots was on the verge of becoming a KG Cañaleta show due to the latter’s hot shooting right from the get-go.
But it all went astray, as the Elite bowed to the more experienced Hotshots side, 96-90, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
“Sobrang nakakapanghinayang,” lamented the 35-year-old, who was playing just his fourth game for Blackwater, moments after their loss, their second straight.
No one can blame the veteran sniper for feeling that way. He was Blackwater’s anchor right from the start, scoring 16 of his team’s 23 points in the opening frame.
Cañaleta, despite going scoreless in the final period, still finished with his season-high 27 markers on 18 shots. However, all of his conversions happened in the first three quarters, as he went 0-for-4 in crunch time.
“Wala ng space. Hindi na ako na-o-open, ganun,” rued Cañaleta, who was averaging 7.8 points and 3.6 rebounds prior to Saturday, regarding his blank fourth quarter. “Tsaka pagod na rin.”
And if he is honest, he thinks that the Elite’s composure down the stretch is still something they have to work on, in order for them to come out victorious again next time.
“More on maturity lang yung problem namin,” shared Cañaleta.
“Sa end game talaga yung problem namin. Mas maganda siguro mas mag-focus kami dun sa ginagawa namin all throughout the game, hindi lang sa first, second, and third quarter.
“Sa fourth quarter, mas importante yung mag-stick kami sa game plan kasi parang nawawala eh,” Cañaleta admitted.
