Stockton, Juan GDL form one-two punch as Converge takes down Magnolia
At A Glance
- Juan Gomez de Liano and Alec Stockton formed a dreaded one-two punch as Converge took down Magnolia, 114-97, in their marquee duel in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Friday, Dec. 5.
Juan Gomez de Liano and Alec Stockton formed a dreaded one-two punch as Converge took down Magnolia, 114-97, in their marquee duel in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Friday, Dec. 5.
Gomez de Liano fired 27 points while Stockton unloaded 23 as the FiberXers rode on a blistering second quarter assault to pull away from the Hotshots and get a share of the top spot in the standings.
Converge improved to a 6-2 record to not only keep in step with NLEX and Rain or Shine but more importantly clinch an assured quarterfinals seat.
Holding on to a precarious 78-77 lead heading into the final frame, the FiberXers went on a pivotal 14-5 run to stretch the lead to 92-82 – an advantage which Converge never relinquished until the final horn.
Gomez de Liano also had seven rebounds and five assists to his name while Justine Baltazar chipped in a double-double of 19 points and 14 rebounds to go with two steals and a black.
Justin Arana finished with nine points, eight rebounds and seven assists before going down with what appeared to be an ankle injury late in the fourth while Archie Concepcion and Schonny Winston contributed 11 and 10, respectively.
The FiberXers survived a huge night from Zav Lucero who exploded for 31 points to go with nine rebounds and two blocks.
Jerom Lastimosa also finished with 13 points, five rebounds and five assists while Javi Gomez de Liano added 10 in a losing effort.