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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider Converge fights for playoff chances vs Magnolia; Boatwright to debut for SMB

Converge fights for playoff chances vs Magnolia; Boatwright to debut for SMB

Published Apr 18, 2026 01:31 pm

At A Glance

  • There's little room for error now for Converge and it hopes to stay in playoff contention when it locks horns against Magnolia in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner's Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Sunday, April 19.


There’s little room for error now for Converge and it hopes to stay in playoff contention when it locks horns against Magnolia in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Sunday, April 19.

The FiberXers breathed life to their flickering hopes following their victory over the Titan Ultra Giant Risers and they are naturally hoping to keep that momentum and have a strong finish in the eliminations.

Standing in front of them are the Hotshots in their 7:30 p.m. nightcap that will come after the first offering — a clash between the playoff-seeking NLEX Road Warriors and San Miguel, which will parade returning import Bennie Boatwright, in the 5:15p.m curtain-raiser.

Knowing full well that their coming schedule is a big mountain to climb, considering their 2-5 records, Converge head coach Dennis ‘Delta’ Pineda could only cling to their faith to their team heading into the crucial stretch

“Magpapamisa na nga po ako nito dahil sa mga schedule namin,” Pineda jested.

“We need to face and prepare for every team na makakaharap namin. One thing for sure ibibigay namin yung best namin sa remaining games nmin we maintain na sana yung statistic di magbago,” he added.

Fortunately for the FiberXers, their deep team is beginning to round into form with the return of Calvin Abueva and Juan Gomez de Liano. Justin Arana is also rediscovering his touch inside the paint.

Pineda, however, is still tempering expectations especially against the Hotshots, who are brimming with talent with Zav Lucero and Jerom Lastimosa and a high-scoring import in Clint Chapman.

“We need to focus on every game. Pilitin namin na lumaban sa lahat ng remaining games po namin,” he added.

Meanwhile in the opening game, champion import and Gilas naturalization candidate Boatwright is making his return for the Beermen after their previous import Justin Patton went AWOL.

Boatwright, who steered SMB to a Commissioner’s Cup title two seasons ago, will be immediately tested against Cady Lalanne and NLEX. Motivations are plenty for the Road Warriors as a victory in the contest would virtually assure them a spot in the quarterfinals.

Related Tags

Bennie Boatwright San Miguel Beermen Converge FiberXers PBA PBA Commissioner\'s Cup Magnolia
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