SCOTTY Hopson did it again.
Hopson drained another game-winning four-point shot with 2.5 seconds left for Converge to deal Terrafirma another heartbreaker, and take 100-99 win on Saturday in PBA 49th Season Governors’ Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Hopson made the shot from the right wing, similar to his heroics against TNT last August 27, the first-ever four-point game-winner in league history.
Hopson saved Converge from defeat to take solo fourth with a 4-4 win-loss slate, half-a-game ahead of NorthPort (3-5).
“Parang the lighting struck twice for us,” said Converge coach Franco Atienza.
It was a deflating defeat for Terrafirma, which was eliminated from playoff contention after going down to 0-8. The Dyip lost another close one after dropping a 99-98 defeat over Magnolia just last Thursday.
Hopson finished with 18 points, nine rebounds, and four assists despite dealing with an injury in his leg.
Schonny Winston was also responsible for keeping Converge in the game as he had a team-high 19 points, while also hauling seven rebounds for the FiberXers, who won for the second straight time. Winston had 13 points in the fourth quarter including three-point play and two free throws that cut down the Terrafirma lead to 97-96.
Kevin Ferrer knocked down two free throws to extend the Dyip margin to three, 99-96, with 6.6 seconds left, but they failed to hold on after Hopson’s crucial four.
Antonio Hester had 28 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists, while rookie Paolo Hernandez had 15 points, three rebounds, and four assists for the Dyip, who were already leading by as many as 14 points, 61-47, in the contest.
The scores:
Converge 100 – Winston 19, Hopson 18, Stockton 15, Arana 13, Santos 13, Delos Santos 9, Andrade 6, Cabagnot 3, Nieto 2, Caralipio 2, Ambohot 0.
Terrafirma 99 – Hester 28, Hernandez 15, Cahilig 15, Pringle 14, Carino 8, Ferrer 8, Ramos 5, Hanapi 4, Sangalang 2, Olivario 0.
Quarters: 20-24; 40-52; 71-73; 100-99.
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