CONVERGE got back to its winning ways after boosting its lineup with three new recruits, routing Terrafirma, 125-108, on Wednesday in the PBA 50th Season Philippine Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The FiberXers atoned for Saturday’s loss to TNT in Vigan as no less than eight players scored in double figures - proof of their newfound depth after the arrival of John Lloyd Clemente, Larry Muyang, and Archie Concepcion.
Alec Stockton topscored with 22 points, Justin Arana (13 points, 12 rebounds) and Justine Baltazar (12 points, 11 boards) had double-doubles while Juan Gomez de Liano had his second triple double of his maiden PBA season after finishing with 17 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists.
The new players also produced with Clemente scoring 10 points in 11 minutes, and Muyang making 10 markers to go sith five rebounds.
“Ni-remind ko sila kanina na everyone coming from the bench need to step up,” said Converge coach Delta Pineda. “Everytime na mag-pull out ako from the bench, they need to step up, they need to contribute. ‘Yun po ‘yung mga bilin namin. Most of them nag-contribute.”
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The FiberXers outscored the Dyip, 37-25, in the third to take command.
Jerrick Ahanmisi had 16 points but Terrafirma failed to win back-to-back games after taking down NLEX last October 12 in upset fashion.
Maverick Ahanmisi didn’t play for Terrafirma due to a toe injury in the team’s first game since the Dyip acquired him in a trade with Barangay Ginebra for their 51st season first round draft pick.
Aljon Mariano, who was also part of the trade, added 10 points for the Dyip.
The scores:
Converge 125 – Stockton 22, Gomez de Liaño 17, Garcia 15, Winston 14, Arana 13, Baltazar 12, Clemente 10, Muyang 10, Javillonar 6, Racal 3, Concepcion 3, Suerte 0, Delos Santos 0, Santos 0.
Terrafirma 108 – Ahanmisi 16, Sangalang 15, Bravo 13, Hernandez 10, Hanapi 10, Mariano 10, Nonoy 10, Paraiso 7, Rivero 6, Zaldivar 4, Catapusan 4, Garcia 3, Bataller 0, Olivario 0.
Quarters: 29-30; 59-51; 96-76; 125-108.
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