Converge claims back-to-back win in expense of Phoenix

Converge took down Phoenix, 116-105, to post its first win streak in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup on Thursday, December 19, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The FiberXers overcame an 18-point deficit in the early stages of the first period and rallied in the second half to improve their record in the standings to 4-2 to secure their first consecutive conference victory.

"We just stuck on. We didn't panic. We returned on how we run our system, run our offense and defense. It's nice because we have six players in double digits," said coach Franco Atienza, expressing his satisfaction with his team's effort in making a comeback.

The FiberXers gradually narrowed the gap by scoring more points than the Fuel Masters. Converge eventually tasted their first lead after two free throws from Bryan Santos that placed them ahead 69-67 at 5:53 in the third session.

Halfway through the fourth quarter, the FiberXers shattered any hopes of a final surge of momentum for the Fuel Master with Alec Stockton leading the 9-0 run, ending with a pair of charities courtesy of Jordan Heading, 105-94, with 3:38 left on the clock.

Heading and import Cheick Diallo were instrumental in the comeback win with both scoring 21 points apiece. Heading also finished with three rebounds and game-highs of six assists and five steals.

Schonny Winston and Santos contributed 16 markers each, while Stockton finished with a total of 14 points in the game, having eight rebounds and five assists as well.

Prized rookie Justine Baltazar delivered six markers, 13 boards built on eight offensive rebounds, two steals, and one block in just 25 minutes of play. He is slowly being integrated to the FiberXers rotation after a demanding MPBL stint during which he led Pampanga to a second consecutive championship.

On the other hand, Phoenix import Donovan Smith’s game-high 30 points and 18 rebounds was put to waste after the loss, while veteran RJ Jazul tallied 20 markers off a 5-of-10 clip and 2-of-2 from four-point arc. 

Converge still has to face Ginebra and Meralco before the year ends.

CONVERGE 116 – Heading 21, Diallo 21, Winston 16, Santos 16, Stockton 14, Andrade 11, Arana 6, Baltazar 6, Racal 5, Delos Santos 0, Caralipio 0.

PHOENIX 105 – Smith 30, Jazul 20, Tio 13, Perkins 12, Rivero 11, Tuffin 8, Verano 4, Garcia 3, Soyud 2, Manganti 2, Salado 0, Alejandro 0, Muyang 0, Ular 0, Daves 0.

Quarter Scores: 15-30, 48-54, 87-80, 116-105.