PBA: Gary David back to being a scoring machine, but admits Bolts need defense to get first win

After seeing his 40-point performance go down the drain in Meralco's 108-106 loss to Barako Bull, Gary David joked that perhaps he should have made 43 to give the Bolts their first win of the season.

El Granada waxed hot from deep as he shot 7-of-9 and finished with an efficient 14-of-21 clip from the field, an output last seen from him during his stint with the Powerade Tigers.

The veteran shooting guard was unable to get the ball in the last possession, however, and Meralco absorbed their fourth loss in as many games.

"Sa akin every game lang naman binibigay ko talaga 'yung best ko maglaro," he said. "Unluckily kulang pa, siguro kailangan pa ng 43 points para manalo."

Before offering his usual quip, though, David admitted that offensive explosion alone may not be enough solve Meralco's misfortunes in the conference.

"Kahit anong gawin natin talagang medyo hindi pa rin sumasapat. Kaya let’s focus na lang siguro sa ibang departamento muna," said the former Gilas Pilipinas gunner, who also came up with seven rebounds and three assists in almost 40 minutes of play.

He noted Meralco's weakness on the defensive end, letting themselves get dragged into high-scoring games.

The Bolts are second only to Mahindra in points allowed per game, while they are worst in the league in assists and free throws allowed per game.

"Lahat ng kalaban namin parang meron silang kumpiyansa sa amin na tumira dahil 'yung weakness namin defense," he said. "Just make sure na lang na magiging focused kami doon." - RAF, GMA News