It was as if KG Cañaleta was the Meralco Bolts’ import on Friday evening at the SMART Araneta Coliseum, as he unloaded 28 points on seven treys all over the GlobalPort Batang Pier.
“Naging ready lang ako,” said the 36-year-old forward. “Tinake ko lang yung opportunity n dodouble-in yung import namin, so nao-open talaga ako sa labas.
“Suwerte lang din na pumapasok.”
His efforts, however, were wasted, as the Orangemen fell short against Stanley Pringle and the Batang Pier, 86-85, thus sending their win-loss card to 1-1
Cañaleta then rued that his game became useless. Not because the Bolts lost, but rather because of the production the team had: only he and import Arinze Onuaku finished in double figures.
The 2016 Commissioner’s Cup Best Import had 21 points along with 14 rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
“Useless naman yung game ko kung hindi equal yung contribution namin,” said the 13-year pro. “Like ako maganda yung performance ko, pero yung iba mababa naman yung game.
“Sabi nga ni coach, hindi kami ganun kalakas na team para mangyari yun. Dapat maging consistent kami, ‘di ba?” he added.
“Kailangan laging equal yung contribution namin.”
Asked if this loss showed their flaws in terms of chemistry, Cañaleta agreed, saying that they have to work on it in order for the Bolts to have better showings in the 2018 Commissioner’s Cup
“Maayos naman yung samahan namin. Siguro konti pa na pagkilala sa isa’t isa,” he said. “Let’s say naka-shoot yung isa, hahanapin mo kasi mainit ‘di ba? Yung mga ganung bagay.
“Kulang pa. Konti pa.”
