JUAN Gomez de Liano came through in the clutch as Converge won its second straight game, beating import-less NLEX, 112-110, on Friday in the PBA 50th Season Governors' Cup at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Gomez de Liano knocked down a four with 2:09 left in the game in response to a clutch shot from the same distance by NLEX star Robert Bolick on the other end, keeping the Road Warriors' head above water, 101-99.
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That four proved to be the difference as Converge held on to the lead until the final buzzer to enter the conference break on a high with a 5-4 win-loss slate.
Still, the game ended on a wild note when NLEX guard Ljay Gonzales was fouled by Calvin Abueva while making a four-pointer with 0.6 seconds left.
With the Road Warriors still down by two, Gonzales purposely missed the bonus free throw in the hope of getting a tying basket, but Gomez de Liano himself was able to collar the rebound for Converge to end the threat.
Cameron Clark asserted himself as his former team NLEX played without an import after DeQuan Jones suffered major injuries to his right knee and ankle in their previous game against TNT last Tuesday.
Clark had 37 points and 12 rebounds including a jumper with 1:56 left after the Gomez de Liano four-point shot to increase the lead to 103-99.
Gomez de Liano had 19 points, six rebounds, and eight assists, and also made a jumper for a 105-102 lead, and free throws to protect their lead.
Converge coach Delta Pineda said the team still has room for improvement as the FiberXers enter the Gilas Pilipinas break.
“Back to back [wins] pero we need adjustments on our defense. Imagine, [NLEX] don’t have an import but it was a close game. More adjustments this coming break,” Pineda said.
Bolick delivered another clutch moment when he nailed a four to reclaim the lead for NLEX at 99-97 with 2:27 left, but that advantage proved short-lived.
Gonzales scored 23 points while Bolick had 19 points, six rebounds, and six assists as the Road Warriors dropped their second loss in three games and fell to 7-2 win-loss - still good for a tie for first place with San Miguel in Group A.
The scores:
Converge 112 – Clark 37, Gomez de Liano 19, Arana 19, Baltazar 11, Abueva 6, Garcia 5, Williams 4, Stockton 3, Tungcab 3, Policarpio 3, Concepcion 2.
NLEX 110 – Gonzales 23, Bolick 19, Winston 17, Bahio 16, Semerad 9, Ramirez 8, Capulong 5, Valdez 5, Gamboa 4, Racal 2, Alas 2, Rodger 0, Fajardo 0, Torres 0, Nelle 0.
Quarters: 22-30; 51-51; 74-79; 112-110.
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