CONVERGE rode the hot hands of Jolo Mendoza to repulse Phoenix, 104-90, in the PBA On Tour on Friday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Mendoza sizzled from beyond the arc, hitting 7-of-12 to finish with 26 points in leading the FiberXers to their fourth win in eight games.
READ: Draft hopeful Mendoza find inspiration in Aaron Black success
Despite Mendoza's shooting spree, Converge still needed a strong fourth quarter to finish off Phoenix.
"Breakout game for him. Good thing that he responded," said Converge coach Aldin Ayo of the guard out of Ateneo.
"Kulang na kulang kami sa tao. But Jolo is always known for that (scoring). Kahit naman noong college he's capable of converting those three point shots."
Mendoza was 8-of-14 from the field and had 12 points in the second quarter to carry the cudgels for the FiberXers.
"Mabuti naman pumasok (shots), kung hindi lalayo itong Phoenix sa amin," said Ayo as Converge finally wrested the lead at the break 49-45, after trailing for most of the opening period.
Mike Nieto was also hot from the outside, hitting 3-of-6 from beyond the arc for 20 points, while Kevin Racal and Keith Zaldivar finished in double figures with 12 and 11, respectively.
Sean Manganti topscored with 15 points, but Phoenix suffered its fifth loss in eight games despite the return to the bench of head coach Jamike Jarin.
The scores:
Converge (104) - Mendoza 26, Nieto 20, Racal 12, Zaldivar 11, Arana 10, Stockton 9, Ambohot 9, Guinto 5, Ebona 2.
Phoenix (90) - Manganti 15, Mocon 11, Muyang 10, Garcia 9, Tio 9, Camacho 9, Lalata 8, Jazul 8, Celda 6, Rangel 3, Alejandro 2, Fetalvero 0, Atienza 0.
Quarterscores: 21-26; 49-45; 72-66; 104-90.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
