CONVERGE avoided a major upset, overcoming Terrafirma, 117-103, on Wednesday in the PBA 49th Season Philippine Cup at the Philsports Arena.
The FiberXers fought back from an 18-point deficit to post their sixth win in 10 matches, finding more reason to celebrate on a day when the ballclub reached an agreement with TNT for a Jordan Heading-Mikey Williams trade.
Converge improved to 6-4.
READ TNT, Converge reach deal for Mikey Williams-Jordan Heading trade
Alec Stockton scored 10 of his 17 points in the third quarter where the FiberXers trimmed the gap to 92-88. Schonny Winston then made six consecutive baskets at the start of the fourth to give his team the lead for good.
Terrafirma fell to 1-8 (win-loss) and officially dropped out of playoff contention.
King Caralipio had a career-high 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Justine Baltazar (17 points and 10 rebounds) and Justin Arana (17 points and 13 rebounds) each had their own double double.
Winston added 16 points for Converge, which had to overcome a Dyip side that shot 56 percent from the field in the first quarter to take command.
“Terrafirma waxed hot to start (the game). 50 percent in the first half tapos apat na four-point shots. They just cannot miss,” said Converge coach Franco Atienza.
“Eto ‘yung sinasabi ko na before this game na we are not taking them lightly kasi at any given time, they can beat any team. That is why those players are in the PBA because they are capable. I was happy with the whole team that we were able to turn it around,” said Atienza.
Stanley Pringle scored 23 points, including 11 in that sizzling first quarter, while Louie Sangalang had 18 points for the Dyip.
The scores:
Converge 117 – Caralipio 18, Baltazar 17, Stockton 17, Arana 17, Winston 16, Racal 9, Delos Santos 6, Corpuz 5, Garcia 4, Santos 4, Suerte 4.
Terrafirma 103 – Pringle 23, Sangalang 18, Zaldivar 17, Nonoy 15, Catapusan 12, Ferrer 11, Ramos 7, Melecio 0, Paraiso 0, Hernandez 0.
Quarters: 29-39; 58-65; 88-92; 117-103.
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