Converge and Meralco look to follow up their impressive debuts as they gun for their second wins against separate foes in the 2023 PBA Governors’ Cup at the PhilSports Arena on Thursday, Jan. 26.
The FiberXers aim to give the debuting Terrafirma Dyip a rude welcome in the season-ending conference in the first game at 4:30 p.m. while the Bolts hope to continue their surge against the NorthPort Batang Pier in the second serving at 6:45 p.m.
Converge went off to a rousing start, dealing NorthPort a 30-point beatdown – the largest winning margin it had so far in its young franchise history – 122-92, right on its opening game. Maverick Ahanmisi spearheaded the FiberXers run-and-gun offense finishing with 29 points and nine assists off the bench.
Despite the big win, Converge is not the one to be complacent, making an early import change. Original import Ethan Rusbatch had decent numbers of 17 points and nine rebounds but head coach Aldin Ayo still decided to bring in new import Jamaal Franklin.
Franklin, a second-round pick for the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA in 2013, is already set to make his debut against Terrafirma which has been on a slump in the first two conferences.
The Dyip, however, aim a different start this time around as they set their eyes on what could be their only second win in the entire season with Juami Tiongson leading the pack along with Alex Cabagnot and new addition Kevin Ferrer.
Terrafirma also got a much-needed boost with import Jordan Williams who is bringing in a wealth of experience from his stints from the European league.
Meanwhile in the second game, KJ McDaniels is expected to wreak havoc anew for the Bolts especially riding the momentum of an impressive 27 points, 23 rebounds performance in their first game.
McDaniels felt at home with Meralco, showing great chemistry with his potent supporting cast led by Chris Newsome, Chris Banchero, Allein Maliksi and Cliff Hodge. Meralco star Aaron Black is also expected to make his debut after sitting out the first game due to an injury.
Out to stop them however is the equally hungry NorthPort which is looking to give interim head coach Bonnie Tan his first win at the helm. Marcus Weathers was quick to prove worth on his first game dropping a 37-point bomb but was not enough to help the Batang Pier survive the FiberXers.
Help is on the way for the young import as Robert Bolick is set for his debut after also sitting out the opening game. Arvin Tolentino, Joshua Munzon and Roi Sumang are also expected to provide contributions if NorthPort wishes to barge into the win column.