Converge erases 17-point deficit to get third straight win

The Converge FiberXers climbed from a 17-point deficit to steal the game from Barangay Ginebra, 98-91, in the continuation of the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup on Saturday night at the Batangas City Coliseum.

Ginebra dominated the game in the first half and established a 57-40 lead before the break.

But Alec Stockton and Schonny Winston took over in the second half to lead Converge to a third straight victory.

Stockton was vital in the third period, scoring 17 of his 22 points. He also had six rebounds and eight assists.

The FiberXers scored 33 in that quarter, limiting Ginebra to only 13.

In the fourth quarter, Winston poured out the first seven markers as Converge established its largest lead, 89-78.

Chieck Diallo added 19 points and 18 rebounds. He also scored a three-point play with a dunk at the 1:54 mark of the fourth period for a 95-88 lead to fend off a late comeback by the Gin Kings.

Jordan Heading racked up 13 points, while Justin Arana added 11 markers for the FiberXers, who improved to 5-2 in the team standings.

On the other hand, Justin Brownlee delivered another big game for the Gin Kings as he put up 39 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists in the losing cause.

Maverick Ahanmisi had 15, while RJ Abarrientos added 11 for the losing team that fell down to a 3-2 win-loss record.

Ginebra missed the services of Japeth Aguilar who didn't played because of a pulled groin, but Stephen Holt returned from a knee injury, although he was held scoreless in 23 minutes of action.

Both teams will be back in action on Christmas Day.

Converge will face Meralco Bolts at 5:00 PM, while the Gin King will have their Clasico rival Magnolia Hotshots in the main game at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

CONVERGE 98 – Stockton 22, Diallo 19, Winston 15, Heading 13, Arana 11, Santos 8, Baltazar 6, Racal 3, Nieto 1, Andrade 0, Caralipio 0, Delos Santos 0.

GINEBRA 91 – Brownlee 39, Ahanmisi 15, Abarrientos 11, Thompson 8, Rosario 5, Tenorio 5, Mariano 4, Adamos 2, Cu 2, Holt 0.

Quarters Scores: 21-23; 40-57; 73-70; 98-91.