ANTIPOLO - Converge finally arrested a five-game losing skid, beating Titan Ultra, 103-82, on Wednesday in the PBA 50th Season Commissioner’s Cup at the Ynares Center.
The FiberXers drew strong games from Justin Arana, Juan Gomez de Liano, and Calvin Abueva to claim a much-needed victory that improved their record to 2-5 (win-loss) and revive their flickering playoff hopes.
Converge outscored Titan Ultra, 30-18, in the second quarter and never lifted its foot off the pedal on the way to its first victory since opening day of the conference on March 11 - or 35 days to be exact - when it defeated guest team Macau.
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“Halos nandoon na unti-unti yung chemistry ng mga bata, nabi-build na po,” said Converge coach Delta Pineda.
Arana had a conference-high 19 points while Gomez de Liano tallied 15 points, seven rebounds, and two assists in his second game back from a bone contusion. Kylor Kelley added 10 points, 14 rebounds, and three blocks.
Converge rode a barrage of outside shots to start the rout with Gomez de Liano draining a four and three, and Alec Stockton knocking down a three to take a 55-38 lead near the end of the second quarter.
A jump shot by Arana made it a 95-73 lead midway through the fourth, the biggest lead of the contest.
Michael Gilmore compiled 26 points and 16 rebounds for the Giant Risers, who fell to 2-4 win-loss.
The scores:
Converge 103 – Arana 19, Gomez de Liano 15, Abueva 14, Kelley 10, Baltazar 9, Garcia 8, Williams 8, Stockton 6, Concepcion 5, Policarpio 5, Clemente 2, Muyang 2.
Titan Ultra 82 – Gilmore 26, Munzon 15, Ular 11, Javillonar 11, Balanza 8, Yu 4, Sajonia 3, Flores 2, Caralipio 2, Dionisio 0, Omega 0, Ambohot 0, Cuntapay 0.
Quarters: 27-23; 57-41; 78-60; 103-82.
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