Converge snaps slide on Balanza's game-winner over SMB
Published Jun 18, 2023 02:58 pm
Jerrick Balanza scored the game-winning layup with 1.3 seconds left as Converge outlasted San Miguel, 113-111, in an overtime thriller to snap a three-game losing streak in the PBA on Tour on Sunday, June 18 at the Ynares Sports Arena.
The FiberXers leaned on their pesky defense as they completed a stop in the Beermen’s penultimate possession with Alec Stockton completing the steal. Converge quickly raced to their frontcourt as Stockton found Balanza for a wide open layup to put his team ahead. SMB had the chance to take the win in the next play but Allyn Bulanadi came up short on his three-point attempt, allowing Converge to escape with the narrow win that improved its record to 2-3. Balanza finished with 15 points but it was actually Stockton, who kept the FiberXers within striking distance in the final frame and in the extra period, putting up 23 points and nine assists. He also nailed a cold-blooded step-back triple with 20 seconds left to tie the game at 111-all and set the table for Balanza’s heroics. Justin Arana and Mike Nieto chipped in 13 points apiece while Jeron Teng added 12 as Converge also survived the 42-point explosion from Jericho Cruz whose late triple in regulation forced overtime after tying the game 99-all with 23 seconds on the clock. Mo Tautuaa and Rodney Brondial added 15 and 13 points but were not to lift SMB which played without star guard Terrence Romeo who went out of the game in the first half due an injury.
*Jerrick Balanza scores the game-winning layup to lift Converge past SMB (PBA Images)
*The FiberXers leaned on their pesky defense as they completed a stop in the Beermen’s penultimate possession with Alec Stockton completing the steal. Converge quickly raced to their frontcourt as Stockton found Balanza for a wide open layup to put his team ahead. SMB had the chance to take the win in the next play but Allyn Bulanadi came up short on his three-point attempt, allowing Converge to escape with the narrow win that improved its record to 2-3. Balanza finished with 15 points but it was actually Stockton, who kept the FiberXers within striking distance in the final frame and in the extra period, putting up 23 points and nine assists. He also nailed a cold-blooded step-back triple with 20 seconds left to tie the game at 111-all and set the table for Balanza’s heroics. Justin Arana and Mike Nieto chipped in 13 points apiece while Jeron Teng added 12 as Converge also survived the 42-point explosion from Jericho Cruz whose late triple in regulation forced overtime after tying the game 99-all with 23 seconds on the clock. Mo Tautuaa and Rodney Brondial added 15 and 13 points but were not to lift SMB which played without star guard Terrence Romeo who went out of the game in the first half due an injury.