THE four-point shot has proven to be heaven-sent for Converge.
For the second time in this conference, Converge beat its rival by sinking a four-point shot in the dying seconds, again courtesy of Scotty Hopson, as the FiberXers nipped the Terrafirma Dyip, 100-99, in the PBA Governors’ Cup Saturday night.
Hobbling and dragging his injured body the entire game, the prolific import buried the high-arching shot with 2.5 seconds left, capping the team’s comeback from 14 points to earn the vital win.
Dyip's Antonio Hester then missed his own Hail Mary shot and potential game-winner at the buzzer as Converge likely took a spot in the playoffs with the win
Hopson's game-winner reprised the same act he did three weeks ago when he knocked down the first four-point shot game winner in PBA history to stun Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and TNT, 96-95.
The victory put Converge (4-4) one up against Northport (3-5) in the heated race for the no. 4 spot in Group A.
The Batang Pier lost out to the Meralco Bolts, 114-104, as they played without an import for 40 minutes following the exit of their import on a suspected Achilles injury early in the game.
Here’s are the brief takeaways in the two games played at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium last Satuday.
1. WILL HOPSON BE HEALTHY ENOUGH FOR THE PLAYOFFS?
The import has been playing hurt the past three games with what he said was a hip flexor that is moving to his quad. As good as he is, Hopson’s health condition will definitely have a big say in the FiberXers’ campaign especially if they advance to the playoffs and the quarterfinals series which is a best-of-five affair.
2. CONVERGE ALREADY SURPASSED LAST SEASON’S WIN RECORD
The team’s current 4-4 record meant it already surpassed last season’s total number of wins. The FiberXers compiled a worst record of 3-19 in Season 48 under former coach Aldin Ayo. But something good came out from that bad record: Converge was awarded this year’s no. 1 overall pick which the team used to tap big man Justine Baltazar. Sadly, however, the top pick is still tied with his MPBL team and will have to wait till that league's season is over before he can start his PBA career.
3. NORTHPORT’S PLAYOFFS BID SUFFER HUGE BLOW
The Batang Pier suddenly found their playoffs chances in a bind following the loss of Venky to an Achilles injury. Good thing, Northport won’t have its next game until Friday, giving the organization the time to get a replacement to the do-it-all Venky. At the same time, the team also needs to have its new reinforcement to blend quickly as Northport have two must-win games ahead -- against Magnolia and TNT -- if it hopes to make the playoffs
4. CAN DYIP AVOID FINISHING AT 0-10?
The Dyip blew away two huge chances of finally making it to the win column with back-to-back heartbreakers against Magnolia and Converge. Terrafirma is 0-8 and remains, along with Phoenix, as the only teams without a win.
The future, however, does not look good for Terrafirma to avoid a winless conference. It goes up against Group A powerhouses TNT and Meralco for its remaining matches. But hope springs eternal for Dyip coach Johnedel Cardel who vowed to finish the eliminations with a flourish.
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