Maverick Ahanmisi erupted for a career-high 31 points as Converge clinched its spot in the playoffs with a 98-90 triumph over the lowly Blackwater in the 2023 PBA Governors’ Cup at the PhilSports Arena on Thursday, Feb. 23.
The veteran playmaker suddenly caught fire from distance, firing six triples on his way to dropping 22 of his total output in the huge third quarter onslaught that proved to be the difference as they improved to a 6-2 record in the standings.
Ahanmisi actually had a sluggish start to the game after only mustering three points in the first two quarters but finally found his scoring touch to open the second half and build a lead that went to as high as 17 points, 86-69, in the third frame.
Import Jamaal Franklin, after a 53-point explosion which went for naught the last time out, did a little bit of everything with 19 points, 15 rebounds and five assists to ensure that his team gets back on track despite Converge’s lowest scoring output in the conference.
FiberXers head coach Aldin Ayo was pleased to see the improvement in his team especially after committing franchise-high 31 turnovers which eventually led to their collapse against NLEX last game.
“May mga naitama kami, especially 'yung mga turnovers, nabawasan ng kaunti and 'yung execution medyo narefine din ng kaunti pero kulang na kulang pa. Marami kaming hindi neexecute kasi hindi namin naeexecute 'yung initiation namin 'yung first part ng offense namin, doon kami usually nagkakaproblema,” said Ayo.
Troy Rosario tried to carry the fight, dropping 10 of his 20 points in the final frame but Blackwater never really got close enough to threaten as Converge simply had the answer to every Bossing run.
Shawn Glover added 19 points and 10 rebounds but Blackwater absorbed its seventh loss in eight games.