PBA: Canaleta drops career-high 41 to carry Air21 past GlobalPort

KG Canaleta posted a career-high 41 points, thanks in part to a 6-of-9 shooting clip from beyond the arc, along with seven boards and four assists, to help the Air21 Express cruise past the troubled GlobalPort Batang Pier squad, 113-92, on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

"I think everybody felt frustrated in our game against Ginebra. Everybody was determined to bounce back," said Air21 head coach Franz Pumaren. "I told KG I want him to prove himself that he's worthy to be one of the top players in the PBA. He's really talented. I told him I want him to be the most improved player."

The one-sided win put the Express at 5-9. A loss on Friday by Barako Bull Energy Cola would give them the eighth and final quarterfinals berth, but should Barako upset the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, they and Air21 would figure in a playoff game.

GlobalPort, on the other hand, saw their losing streak stretch to nine games. They are now 1-12 for the conference.

The Express found many easy looks in the paint to start the game, thanks to good pick and roll action for a 14-11 lead, but GlobalPort rode an aggressive Rabeh Al-Husseini, who scored seven points in a 12-5 run to edge forward, 23-19, with under five minutes to play.

Air21 began to cool off as the quarter closed, as they gave up free throws and allowed GlobalPort to nail buckets courtesy of Rey Guevara and AJ Mandani, but a desperation heave by Wynne Arboleda found its mark as the quarter ended, cutting the Express' deficit to one, 31-30.

Canaleta and the Express' leaned on their bench for inspired play in the second quarter. The second unit got out in transition, as the former UE Red Warrior buried two treys en route to 10 points in a 20-6 rampage. By the time GlobalPort's starters returned at the 6:06 mark, they faced a 13-point deficit, 50-37.

GlobalPort began to take better care of the ball and kept the Express out of the paint for the rest of the quarter. On the offensive end, they turned to Vic Manuel, who scattered nine points from all over the floor to pull his team within five, 60-55, at halftime.

Canaleta had 21 points after the first half.

The Batang Pier appeared out of sync when play resumed, as they could not establish an offensive rhythm. Sorry misses from Al-Husseini and Miller caused Glen Capacio's squad to fall behind against a 20-4 romp by the Express. Canaleta took advantage of defensive mismatches and GlobalPort's penalty situation, as his team surged on, 80-59.

Jondan Salvador drove to the rim to score Global Port's second field goal of the quarter with just under four minutes to play, a rarity, as his team continued to struggle in the shaded area. Batang Pier scored just once more from the field, a breakaway lay-up by Al Vergara as time, expired to cut down the lead to a square 20 points, 87-67, after three periods.

With their backs against the wall, GlobalPort came out aggressively in the fourth quarter. They forced Air21 into several turnovers and made their way to the foul line. Three-pointers by Will Antonio and Gary David highlighted a 13-7 run, 94-80, with 7:05 remaining in the quarter.

RenRen Ritualo nailed a three-pointer at the five-minute mark for the Express, ending a four minute drought for the team, but GlobalPort crept back as Al-Husseini scored his team's next seven points to pull within 12 points, 99-87. But defensive lapses, as well as Canaleta's fourth three-pointer a minute later held Batang Pier back yet again.

To make matters worse, David was assessed with a technical foul for a blow to James Sena. Air21 converted both free throws, as David was forced to the bench for good.

With the game well in hand, Canaleta gave the fans their money's worth as he completed a four-point play and flushed a one-handed alley-oop with under a minute to play.

"Maganda lang siguro gising. Mga third quarter, nakita ko parang nakakarami na pala," recalled Canaleta. [Si coach Franz], gusto niya ako maging most improved player. Nagpapasalamat ako sa kanya binibigyan nya ako ng opportunity."

"Seventh pick ako, kasabayan ko sina J-Wash at Macmac [Cardona]. Last career-high ko sa Air21 din. Sa ibang teams, parang role player lang ako." added Canaleta.

Three-point shooting was key for Air21 in this game. They made 10-of-24 shots from beyond the arc for 41 percent. In contrast, GlobalPort made only 5-of-20 attempts for 25 percent. The Express also held the advantage in free throw shooting, making 23-of-30. GlobalPort, on the other hand, made 17-of-23.

GlobalPort edged Air 21 in turnover points, 25-17.

James Sena added 18 points and five boards for Air 21, while Rob Reyes collected a double-double with 12 points and 16 rebounds.

Rabeh Al-Husseini led five Batang Pier scorers in double figures with 20 points and seven rebounds. Gary David tallied 16 points, while Jondan Salvador and Vic Manuel notched 11 apiece. The latter also collected 10 rebounds. - RAF, GMA News