Of all the players from the Meralco Bolts side, it was new acquisition Niño Cañaleta who shone the brightest in their 2017-18 PBA Philippine Cup curtain-raiser, Friday night at the nostalgic Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.
The six-foot-six wingman struck the dagger triple in the game’s final 11 seconds to help the Orangemen come out with a 103-98 victory over the Blackwater Elite — coincidentally Cañaleta’s team last season.
“Nakita ko yung oras paubos na. Eh sakto pagpasa sakin wala na, tinira ko, medyo malakas, hindi ko sinadya iboard yun pero swerte lang siguro,” recalled Cañaleta of the game’s biggest shot, moments after the bout.
The 35-year-old though insisted that he wasn’t out there to find redemption against the Elite, which did not extend his contract that led to his free agency in the off-season. He said that facing his former team pushed him harder.
“Wala namang revenge or ano.
“Every game naman, kailangang maging motivated ka. Pero ang maganda ngayon, former team ko. Kumbaga na double lang yung pagka-motivate ko,” said the 13-year veteran.
And aside from the big trey, Cañaleta also served as the scoring leader for Meralco in the win as he finished with 25 points and nine rebounds, showing that adjustment with his new home isn’t something that will be an issue.
“Nakasama ko naman siya sa Talk ‘N Text kaya hindi ako masyadong nahirapan,” said Cañaleta, referring to his reunion with coach Norman Black.
“Hindi naman ako nahirapan kasi very supportive sila (coaches).”
Even Black marveled at the performance Cañaleta had in his Meralco debut, noting that the former UE Red Warrior will be an integral part in their campaign.
“I like to just give special mention to KG who I thought was exceptional tonight, scoring and rebounding,” lauded the outspoken mentor.
“He’s going to be a very good addition to our team.”
The Bolts have now kicked off their all-Filipino campaign on a strong note — an indication that they can now compete in the tilr where they usually struggle. And the addition of Cañaleta might just be the one that will benefit them greatly.
