Nelson Asaytono headlines final 10 in PBA 50 Greatest list
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Converge cruises past Blackwater in penultimate assignment
A well-balanced offense pushed the Converge FiberXers to a 127-109 victory over Blackwater Bossing on Sunday, January 19, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, securing sole second place in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup.
As the FiberXers edged closer to a playoff incentive with an 8-3 record, 6-foot-9 big man Justine Baltazar delivered an impressive play for the team, recording a new career-high 20 points along with 10 rebounds, two assists, three steals, and two blocks to earn him Best Player of the Game plum.
Jordan Heading provided firepower, leading the charge for Converge with 22 markers, from 3 out of 5 shooting, along with five dimes, and three boards.
PHOTO COURTESY: PBA
“We knew that we would be able to score, we have good guys, but going into this game, our focus was on defense,” said Converge head coach Franco Atienza following the win.
Import Cheick Diallo fueled the FiberXers’ win by supplying 20 points and 18 rebounds, Alec Stockton fired 10 markers and seven dimes, while Schonny Winston and JL delos Santos added 10 points apiece.
Converge’s star player, Justin Arana, had to leave the hardcourt after hurting his knee when he landed awkwardly after going for a basket in the closing seconds of the third period.
The 25-year-old Arana still finished with seven points and five rebounds as his initial diagnosis revealed a hyperextended left knee.
With one game remaining, Converge, currently the second-best team behind TNT, may secure the twice-to-beat bonus against San Miguel on Friday, January 24.
Meanwhile, Blackwater dropped to 2-8 in the team standings, bringing them one step closer to elimination.
In addition to King's shooting spree, which included 13 rebounds and six assists, Jaydee Tungcab also contributed well with 20 points, followed by Justin Chua with 16, and Christian David with 14.
The Blackwater Bossing will try to finish the conference on a high note when they conclude their last two games against Phoenix and NorthPort.
The Scores:
CONVERGE 127 – Heading 22, Baltazar 20, Diallo 20, Stockton 19, Delos Santos 10, Winston 10, Santos 8, Nieto 8, Arana 7, Racal 3, Caralipio 0, Andrade 0.
BLACKWATER 109 – King 34, Tungcab 20, Chua 16, David 14, Kwekuteye 10, Casio 6, Corteza 4, Ponferrada 3, Guinto 2, Montalbo 0, Ayonayon 0, Jopia 0.
Quarter Scores: 33-26, 70-56, 97-88, 127-109.
