JAMAAL Franklin notched a triple double in a 112-98 win over Rain or Shine on Thursday that kept Converge unbeaten in the 2023 PBA Governors’ Cup at the PhilSports Arena.
Franklin compiled 25 points, 13 rebounds, and 15 assists as the FiberXers regained the solo lead in the eliminations with an immaculate 4-0 win-loss record.
Rain or Shine fell to 0-3 on a night when coach Yeng Guiao was ejected in the third quarter after being called for his second technical foul on a frustrating night for the team.
Converge coach Aldin Ayo said he wasn't surprised with the numbers that his import has been putting up in only his third game with the ballclub - and 10th day in the country since replacing Ethan Rusbatch.
“Laro talaga niya ‘yan. It’s his game. He is a player who can shoot, orchestrate the offense, and he is very unselfish,” said Ayo. "He loves to crash the boards also if needed."
READ: Frustrated Guiao thrown out on two technicals
Justin Arana tallied 21 points, the second-best scoring performance of his career, to go with eight rebounds for the FiberXers, who built as much as a 20-point lead.
Michael Qualls led the way with 34 points and nine rebounds, while Rey Nambatac added 16 points, but ROS simply had no answer to the Converge juggernaut.
The scores:
Converge 112 – Franklin 25, Arana 21, Teng 17, Balanza 12, Tratter 11, Stockton 10, Ahanmisi 7, Murrell 5, Tolomia 2, Racal 2, Guinto 0, Ambohot 0.
Rain or Shine 98 – Qualls 34, Nambatac 16, Mamuyac 8, Demusis 8, Santillan 7, Nieto 6, Ponferrada 6, Torres 6, Caracut 3, Asistio 2, Belga 2, Ildefonso 0, Borboran 0, Yap 0, Clarito 0.
Quarters: 29-21; 52-48; 84-69; 112-98.
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