Maverick Ahanmisi came one point shy of matching his career-high in scoring as Converge clobbered a shorthanded NorthPort, 122-92, for a rousing start in the 2023 PBA Governors’ Cup at the PhilSports Arena on Sunday, Jan. 22.
The FiberXers made sure to open the season-ending conference in style, cruising to the 30-point win which also turned out to be their largest winning margin in their young franchise history, eclipsing the previous 24-point win over NLEX last conference.
Ahanmisi was at the forefront of the attack for Converge, scattering stellar numbers of 29 points, nine assists and six rebounds. He went on a tear in the second quarter, dropping 11 of his total to lead the FiberXer 40-point outburst which completely changed the complexion of the game.
The game was practically over at the half with Converge taking a huge 20-point lead, 66-46, and even stretching it to its largest at 37 points late in the final frame.
Ahanmisi also came a dime shy of tying his career-high in assists, orchestrating the well-oiled Converge offense with six players breaching double-digits in scoring. Kiwi import Ethan Rusbatch had 17 points and nine rebounds while Jeron Teng also added 16 markers and nine boards.
Converge‘s new addition Jerrick Balanza also impressed in his first game under his mentor in college in Aldin Ayo finishing with 14 points spiked by three triples against his former team.
Marcus Weathers was solid in his debut finishing with 37 points and 12 rebounds but didn’t have much help from the rest of the Batang Pier who were playing shorthanded with both Arwind Santos and Robert Bolick sitting out in the coaching debut of interim coach Bonnie Tan.
NorthPort was also without Will Navarro who went under the knife earlier this year to repair a torn ACL on his right knee.
Arvin Tolentino and JM Calma were the only two other NorthPort players in double digits with 12 and 10 points respectively.