ANTIPOLO – RK Ilagan played the hero’s role as Converge came storming back from 20 points down to beat Magnolia, 89-82, in overtime on Friday night in the PBA Season 47 Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center.
Ilagan drained the clutch three-pointer that tied the count with 3.6 seconds left in regulation then started the extra period with another three to spark the FiberXers’ first ever victory in franchise history.

Maverick Ahanmisi also made his Converge debut a memorable one, hitting one big basket after another in the final quarter as the league's youngest team got the better of one of its most successful ever.
But the story of the night was Ilagan, whose game-tying three that tied the score at 82-82 drew comparisons to his game-winner for Alaska in a game against Meralco in this same building a few months ago.
Converge coach Jeff Cariaso dedicated the first win of the franchise to team owner Dennis Anthony Uy while applauding the resiliency of his players.
“We just never gave up. Like I said, guys have to step up. They may start, they may not start. They may play, they may not play a lot. We are a young team. They are learning to play together,” said Cariaso.
"We are trying to get wins while doing that. But I love the resiliency, the effort, and the no-give-up. Doon ako proud
Ilagan, a former San Sebastian guard who was among the former Alaska players absorbed by Converge after the sale, finished with 14 points on 4-of-8 shooting from beyond the three-point arc. He equalled his career-high which he set on March 6 against the same Magnolia squad in the Governors' Cup.
Ahamnisi finished with 14 points in his debut, including a floater that padded the lead to 87-82. Rookie Justin Arana had nine points and 12 rebounds, scoring on a fallaway over Calvin Abueva to settle the final count.
Jeron Teng led Converge in scoring as he has 19 points while also hauling seven rebounds to also contribute in the rally.
Magnolia lost the game after squandering a 41-21 lead in the second, but Converge slowly chopped down the deficit to 47-35 at the half, enough momentum to bring the game close.
The Hotshots didn't score a single point in overtime.
Ian Sangalang had 22 points while Abueva had 13 points and 13 rebounds in a losing effort. Magnolia played without Paul Lee due to back spasms.
The scores:
Converge 89 – Teng 19, Ilagan 14, Ahanmisi 14, Adamos 10, Arana 9, DiGregorio 7, Tolomia 6, Murrell 4, Bulanadi 3, Racal 3, Browne 0, Hill 0, Stockton 0, Ambohot 0, Lojera 0.
Magnolia 82 – Sangalang 22, Jalalon 13, Abueva 13, Ahanmisi 12, Dela Rosa 10, Barroca 4, Wong 4, Zaldivar 4, Corpuz 0, Reavis 0.
Quarters: 11-15; 35-47; 58-65; 82-82; 89-82.
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