Converge’s Alec Stockton takes a jumper against Magnolia in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.–PBA IMAGES
Converge clawed back from a big hole to stun Magnolia, 93-91, and get back on track in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Sunday night at Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Alec Stockton and Justin Arana joined hands for the FiberXers’ gutsy escape act that had the club improving to 2-1 (win-loss) after the new conference opened just last Wednesday.
Article continues after this advertisementThe crafty guard hit a big three to knot the affair at 91-all, before setting up Arana’s go-ahead layup with five ticks left, ultimately erasing the Hotshots’ once 20-point cushion and then handing the traditional powerhouse its first loss in the tournament.
FEATURED STORIES SPORTS LIVE: UAAP Cheerdance Competition 2024 SPORTS UAAP: La Salle back in the Finals vs UP, ousts No. 4 Adamson SPORTS UAAP Finals-bound UP looks to change story of past two seasons READ: PBA: Cheick Diallo good as advertised in Converge debut“We just grind it out. We were down 15 in the half, 20 in the third,” said interim coach Franco Atienza. “We just leveraged our system. Individually, there was no way we were gutting out a win.”
“We needed something like this—like a playoff game. It’s a good win for a young franchise, team like us. This is what makes players—grind out games like this,” he went on.
Article continues after this advertisementArana had 24 points and seven rebounds while Stockton added 18 in the effort. Kevin Racal played his finest game in a long while with 10 points off the bench, while import Cheick Diallo tossed in 10 points and 16 rebounds.
Article continues after this advertisement READ: PBA: Converge pounces on shorthanded TerrafirmaHotshots reinforcement Ricardo Ratliffe led the way with 25 points and 19 rebounds, while rookie Jerom Lastimosa paced the locals with 14 points. Ian Sangalang, Jerrick Ahanmisi, Paul Lee, and Zav Lucero all finished with twin-digit scores.
Article continues after this advertisementMagnolia looked on track for a 2-0 start earlier in the night even without the injured Calvin Abueva (back spasms) but had very few answers for the FiberXers who behind Arana feasted in the final period.
Converge and Magnolia both play upstart NorthPort for their next assignment in the race where there are no height restrictions for imports and guest team Hong Kong Eastern is playing.
Article continues after this advertisement The Scores:CONVERGE 93 – Arana 24, Stockton 18, Racal 10, Diallo 10, Heading 8, Santos 8, Andrade 5, Winston 5, Nieto 3, Delos Santos 2
MAGNOLIA 91 – Ratliffe 25, Lastimosa 14, Sangalang 12, Ahanmisi 12, Lee 10, Lucero 10, Barroca 6, Laput 2, Dela Rosa 0, Dionisio 0
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
Quarterscores: 22-26, 38-53, 67-75una game, 93-91.
READ NEXT PBA: Converge battles back to edge Magnolia NCAA: Allen Liwag only focused on winning title for Benilde EDITORS' PICK Storm blankets parts of the US with more snow and cold forecast Hamas military arm releases new video of Israeli hostage in Gaza NCAA Finals: Mapua moves one win away from title, beats Benilde Health clinic for transgenders set up in Iloilo City Twice-yearly shot can help end AIDS, but access remains a challenge Argentina promotes world-class beef at exclusive tasting event in Manila MOST READ BARMM polls postponement should undergo plebiscite – lawyer Ombudsman: We have 'no jurisdiction' to probe VP Duterte's threats NBI urged to probe vloggers funded by Pogos, drug traders Pagasa forecasts rainy weather for Sunday in most parts of the country Follow @FMangosingINQ on Twitter --> View comments