CHICAGO - Down 95-75 entering the fourth quarter against Rain or Shine on Friday night, Converge looked like a broken modem.
Slow. Disconnected.
But just when hope had left the MOA Arena, the FiberXers went on a 32-16 run to close the gap at 111-107 with still 2:07 to play.
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And while there eventually was no happy ending, there were a myriad of silver linings.
First and foremost was Mikey Williams.
VINTAGE MIKEY.
After averaging only six points per in the past five games, Williams exploded for 16 with three 3s plus five rebounds and 10 assists.
Slowly but surely, the rust from a 35-month PBA layoff is peeling and the image of the former Finals MVP and two-time PBA champion is beginning to emerge.
Although expectedly inefficient following extended absences, combining for 19 points on 7-of-22 shooting, Calvin Abueva and Juan Gomez de Liano are back in the lineup.
Down 20 and facing a five-game losing streak, the FiberXers could have easily folded in the welter of Rain or Shine’s furious 34-point third-quarter barrage.
They fought back instead and passed a test of mental mettle and character in the 120-111 loss.
TOUGH ROAD.
In the end, the night belonged to the Elasto Painters who leaned on import Jaylen Johnson’s 35-point, 21-rebound effort to stay unbeaten in six games.
Converge, meanwhile, sank to 1-5 following a fifth straight defeat.
Suddenly, a conference that started with excitement and promise is flickering with despair and disappointment.
With six games left on their schedule, the FiberXers probably need to at least finish at 5-1 to have a chance to make the playoffs.
It would also help their cause if Phoenix and Terrafirma, both at 3-2. won’t create further separation in the win-column.
Coach Delta Pineda and his squad face an uphill climb, steep but conquerable.
"They're very dangerous," said Yeng Guiao. "Only a matter of time before they gel and start playing together."
With the talent they have, and as long as they stay healthy, I think the FiberXers can pull it off.
One game at a time.
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