Converge aims to prove its opening game win was no fluke as it guns for win No. 2 against Magnolia in the Group A action of the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Friday, Aug. 23

The FiberXers are coming off a 127-95 win over Terrafirma Dyip, putting them already in the position to match their output from the last conference should they come out triumphant against the Hotshots in the 7:30 p.m. affair.

Setting the table for the main event is the battle between opening game losers in Terrafirma and NorthPort at 5:30 p.m.

There was a seemingly a complete change of demeanor from Converge during its first game as it played more fluidly and executed well particularly on the offensive end – something that was sorely missing from the team when it only wound up with two wins against nine losses in the Philippine Cup.

The challenge, however, is to do the same against Magnolia – a team that is more solid and fundamentally sound defensively as compared to Terrafirma that is still searching for its identity following their offseason trades.

Magnolia, for one, certainly has the tool, defensive philosophy and firepower to take down Converge. It was evident in their first game and could have gone with the victory in the end if not for Meralco displaying immense composure down the stretch to hack out a 99-94 win.

All eyes should be on FiberXers import Scotty Hopson who fired from all cylinders with 46 points including a perfect 3-of-3 clip from the field. Glenn Robinson III, the Hotshots import, is no pushover, dropping 28 points in his first game and could’ve won the game should he hit his supposed four-point attempt in the waning seconds.

Meanwhile, Terrafirma hopes to put up a far better showing on its second game after a lackluster performance despite solid debuts from their new guns Stanley Pringle and Christian Standhardinger.

Standhardinger finished with 17 points to his name while Pringle topscored with 19. Chemistry was still a problem especially with import Antonio Hester and Juami Tiongson yet to be in sync with their plays.

On the other hand, while NorthPort looked pretty solid with their import Taylor Jones flirting with a triple-double with his 36 points, 16 rebounds and nine assists in his first game in the PBA, the Batang Pier have opted to give him the pink slip and bring back former import Venky Jois to address the team's gaping hole inside the paint. 

Arvin Tolentino had his share with 23 but he will need more help from the rest of NorthPort cast particularly in the likes of Jio Jalalon, Fran Yu and even rookie Evan Nelle.