Converge bucked a slow start and pulled away in the final frame to frustrate Phoenix, 116-105, in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Thursday, Dec. 19.
Converge bucks slow start, frustrates Phoenix for first win streak
At a glance
Converge bucked a slow start and pulled away in the final frame to frustrate Phoenix, 116-105, in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Thursday, Dec. 19.
Jordan Heading orchestrated the attack while Alec Stockton put on the finishing touches for the FiberXers who recovered from a double-digit deficit in the first quarter to notch their first win streak of the conference for a 4-2 slate.
Heading did it on both ends of the floor, dropping 21 points while also dishing out six assists to go with five steals as he led the balanced attack from Converge which had five other players scoring in double figures.
Stockton poured seven of his 14 points in the fourth quarter as the FiberXers uncorked a 9-0 spurt that turned a tight 95-94 lead into a huge 104-94 advantage in the waning minutes.
Import Cheick Diallo had his share with 21 points and 16 rebounds while Bryan Santos and Schonny Winston had 16 apiece.
BJ Andrade added 11 while top overall pick Justine Baltazar still searching for his footing with only six points but more than made up for it on the boards with 13 rebounds.
The FiberXers actually started out flat in the contest as the Fuel Masters, fresh off their first win when they upsetted the NorthPort Batang Pier, came out guns blazing with a 20-2 run.
Heading, Diallo and Santos then took turns in rallying Converge back into the contest before finally taking control in the final frame behind the efforts of Stockton.
Import Donovan Smith dominated inside with 30 points – 16 of which he poured in the opening frame – along with 18 rebounds to pace Phoenix which slid to a 1-5 record.
RJ Jazul added 20 built on three triples and two fours while Tyler Tio chipped in 13 in another losing effort.