Canaleta nets 17 as Bolts blast Kia

Baser Amer of Meralco tries to pass the ball against the tight defense of Kia during their game in the 43rd PBA Philippine Cup in Araneta COliseum on Wednesday.PHOTO BY KC Cruz

KG Canaleta led a balanced attack as the Meralco Bolts dominated the Kia Picanto, 105-76, on Wednesday.

Canaleta had an efficient night, hitting 17 points with six boards in less than 26 minutes on the floor. Fellow starters Jared Dillinger and Baser Amer combined for 23, while Anjo Caram led an involved bench with 12 markers.

The Bolts showed their might in the paint, outscoring Kia 42-28. Their bench also did a lot of damage, conspiring for 52 big points to Picanto’s 26.

At one point, Meralco led by as many as 34 points as it cruised to victory.

Rashawn McCarthy and Mark Yee led Kia’s starters with a combined 31 points and 21 rebounds, while Jon Jon Gabriel was a pleasant surprise for 13 points and six boards.

It is Kia’s fourth defeat in five outings, while Meralco improved to 1-3 to move a step above the cellar. — BAP, GMA News