ALEC Stockton hit seven of Converge’s last nine points to help the FiberXers put away Rain or Shine, 107-97, in the PBA Philippine Cup Wednesday night at the Philsports Arena.
Stockton finished with 24 points, the same output of fellow guard Schonny Winston, who had 11 points in the third quarter when Converge finally take control of the match.
It was the third straight win for the FiberXers who improved to a 4-2 record, while stopping Rain or Shine’s winning streak at two.
READ: PBA TAKEAWAYS - Don't count out slow-starting Meralco, TNT yet
The Converge Twin Tower of Justin Arana and Justin Baltazar were just too much against a Rain or Shine side that finally had one of its bigs in Keith Datu playing for the first time this conference.
Arana finished with 18 points and 17 rebounds, while Baltazar grabbed 22 rebounds and had 13 points.
The FiberXers outrebounded the Elasto Painters, 62-40.
“What made it possible tonight was our defense,” said Converge coach Franco Atienza, noting how the FiberXers held the Elasto Painters to just 97 points after averaging 120 points in their last two outings.
Still, Converge didn’t put the game away until Stockton hit a three-pointer as the shot clock was winding down that made it a 101-92 lead that sparked a 9-5 run going home.
Rain or Shine was led by Santi Santillan with 26 points including 20 in the first half, while Mamuyac added 25.
Datu made a good account of himself in his first game after hurting his calf, coming through with a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds.
The scores
Converge (107) -- Winston 24, Stockton 24, Arana 18, Baltazar 13, Racal 9, Suerte 7, Caralipio 5, Garcia 4, Santos 2, Corpuz 1, Delos Santos 0, Nermal 0, Ambohot 0.
Rain or Shine (97) -- Santillan 26, Mamuyac 25, Nocum 11, Lemetti 6, Norwood 5, Caracut 5, Asistio 5, Clarito 2, Escandor 1, Malonzo 0.
Quarterscores: 25-31; 53-54; 84-78; 107-97.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
