Juan GDL takes over as Converge keeps import-less NLEX at bay
At A Glance
- Juan Gomez de Liano finished what import Cameron Clark had started as Converge escaped an all-Filipino NLEX, 112-110, to take a two-game win streak into the break in the PBA Season 50 Governors' Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Friday, Aug. 14.
Juan Gomez de Liano finished what import Cameron Clark had started as Converge escaped an all-Filipino NLEX, 112-110, to take a two-game win streak into the break in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Friday, Aug. 14.
Gomez de Liano fired 10 of his 19 points in the last 2:09 of the contest as the FiberXers kept their heads above the water against the rallying Road Warriors, who threatened Converge until the final horn despite playing without an import.
The rookie guard took charge in the waning minutes first draining a booming four to answer Robert Bolick’s own long bomb and put Converge back in the lead, 101-99.
He also had a jump shot and four straight free throws to keep NLEX at bay.
Clark led the scoring for Converge, throwing his weight around the paint to finish with 37 points and 12 rebounds while Justin Arana provided another interior offensive threat with his own 19 points and nine rebounds.
Gomez de Liano added six rebounds and eight assists to his tally as Converge improved to the third spot of Group A with a 5-4 record.
LJ Gonzales, who had a last-gasp four pointer with 0.6 seconds left in the game, led NLEX with 23 points while Bolick finished with 19 points, six rebounds and six assists.
Schonny Winston had 17 while JB Bahio stepped up and had 16 points for the Road Warriors who played without a reinforcement after Dequan Jones suffered a gruesome lower leg injury the last game.
NLEX dropped to a 7-2 record.