PBA: Thornton turns it up with KG as NLEX shackles Meralco

NBA veteran Al Thornton had 36 big points, while KG Canaleta chipped in 16 as the NLEX Road Warriors overwhelmed the Meralco Bolts, 89-76, on Friday.

"KG is always a shooter from the outside," said NLEX head coach Boyet Fernandez. "If he made his first shot, it's good for us coz we can spread the floor. KG deserves to be the best player; he's consistent for us. If he can step up on the defensive side, we can be stronger as a team"

The Road Warriors limited Meralco import Josh Davis to just 19 points, leaving Gary David to carry his team with 28 markers. Mike Cortez was also in double figures for the Bolts with 10.

"Unang una naming game plan is to stop Davis on his offensive rebounding and his intensity, his energy," added Fernandez, who praised his team's defensive effort. "First winning streak in a very long time. It's really our defense which stepped up tonight. This win will not be a reality w/o players playing well." - RAF, GMA News

The scores:

NLEX 89 - Thornton 36, Canaleta 16, Villanueva J. 8, Taulava 8, Lingganay 7, Borboran 6, Villanueva E. 4, Cardona 2, Apinan 2, Ramos 0, Arboleda H. 0.

MERALCO 76 - David 28, Davis 19, Cortez 10, Hodge 8, Anthony 5, Dillinger 4, Hugnatan 2, Reyes 0, ATkins 0, Wilson 0, Ferriols 0, Sena 0.

Quarterscores: 18-14, 45-35, 63-56, 89-76