SUBIC — Known as a defensive ballhawk, Emman Calo is fast becoming a key offensive weapon for Davao Occidental-Cocolife.
The University of the Visayas product tallied a career-high 26 points on 7-of-13 shooting built on three triple. He buried 9-of-10 from the charity stripe on top of five rebounds and four steals. He was also a plus-22 in the game, proving his positive effect.
However, his career-night with the Tigers was spoiled by San Juan-Go for Gold, 70-65, to tie their Chooks-to-Go MPBL Lakan National Finals at one game apiece, at the Subic Bay Gymnasium here Thursday.
Calo, 31, was literally a one-man army in the last three minutes of the game. He scored the last 10 Davao points, but it was not enough.
“Ang mindset ko lang noon (late fourth quarter) is kailangan talaga naming maka-score para makadikit kami sa San Juan,” said the 6-foot wingman.
With his outstanding effort, Tigers head coach Don Dulay was all praise for his do-it-all player.
He also pointed out that Calo really had to work hard defensively with the Knights’ top players as his assignment. And yet, he still made huge plays on the other end of the hardcourt.
“Emman kept us in the game — he was making big plays for us on both ends of the floor. He always brings energy to the team,” continued Dulay.
“He has a tough match-up with Mike Ayonayon and John Wilson, but he is really competing and helping our team in many ways.”
Even with a career-game, Calo did not feel satisfied with their overall performance. He even identified factors that could get them Game Three.
He singled out their turnovers as one of the reasons for their defeat since they had 19 errors, giving San Juan 17 points.
“Siguro ang kailangan namin gawin sa Game Three is to limit our turnovers. And we need the second group to step up din po siguro in both offense and defense,” said Calo.
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