Converge sustained its hot run heading into the playoffs, prevailing over Magnolia, 89-82, to not only end the eliminations on four-game winning streak but also claim the third seed in Group A in the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Monday, Sept. 23.

The FiberXers unloaded a blistering quarter run sparked by King Caralipio along with import Jalen Jones and Justin Arana to finish the eliminations with a 6-4 record and arrange a best-of-five quarterfinals duel with San Miguel.

Jones led the way in scoring for Converge with 27 points, although his efficiency remained a suspect after needing 26 shots to reach his output. He added 12 rebounds and four assists.

Arana also had a double-double of 12 points and 12 rebounds while Alec Stockton and Schonny Winston finished with 10 apiece.

Caralipio only had nine to his name but it all came during a stretch that sparked a 32-point third quarter explosion to take the lead from the Magnolia which led by as many as 15 points in the first half.

With the outcome, the playoff picture was finally completed with Magnolia, which settled for the fourth spot in Group A after sliding to a 5-5 slate, drew Group B top seed Rain or Shine as its quarters opponent.

The other pairings include a matchup between rivals in third seed Ginebra and second seed Meralco and a sister team showdown between Group A No. 1 TNT and Group B No. 4 NLEX.

Calvin Abueva and Peter Alfaro had 11 points apiece to lead Magnolia which curiously gave limited minutes for their usual starters in the likes of Mark Barroca, Zav Lucero and Ian Sangalang.

Paul Lee also didn’t see action as well although the Hotshots paraded their new import in Rayvonte Rice. He, however, had a rather forgettable showing of just five points on 2-of-14 shooting to go with seven rebounds and three assists.

The Scores : 

CONVERGE 89 – Jones 27, Arana 12, Stockton 10, Winston 10, Caralipio 9, Santos 8, Andrade 7, Delos Santos 4, Melecio 2, Cabagnot 0, Ambohot 0, Fornilos 0, Fleming 0, Nieto 0, Zaldivar 0.

 MAGNOLIA 82 – Abueva 11, Alfaro 11, Sangalang 8, Balanza 8, Eriobu 8, Laput 7, Ahanmisi 6, Rice 5, Mendoza 5, Barroca 5, Reavis 2, Escoto 2, Lucero 2, Dionisio 2, Dela Rosa 0.

QUARTERS : 18-27, 41-50, 73-68, 89-82