Converge gets back to winning column to get solo second spot

The Converge FiberXers defeated the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 103-96, in their match-up last night, January 14, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Converge victory gave the squad the solo second spot with a 7-3 card in the team standings, just a half-game behind the lead-leading NorthPort Batang Pier (7-2), who just lost their game earlier against the Meralco Bolts, 94-111.

Alec Stockton led the FiberXers to victory as he poured a team-high 21 points, 17 coming in the payoff period.

"I played bad the last time and I wanted to bounce back in this game and give my team a chance to win. That's my mission," said Stockton.

He was backstopped by Jordan Heading, Justin Arana and Kevin Racal, who put up 17, 15 and 13, respectively, while Converge import Cheick Diallo just contributed eight markers as he played under the weather.

It was a tough game for the troops of coach Franco Atienza, but the FiberXers managed to pull out the important win.

"Going to this game, we know Rain or Shine likes to run and they're a good offensive team. Good thing, we're able to limit them below 100," Atienza said.

"It took us a lot para ma-stop sila. Dinala nila kami sa takbuhan, at ganoon din sa ilalim, but good thing really we gained the momentum somewhere in the second," added the Converge mentor.

Meanwhile, Jhonard Clarito and Deon Thompson scored 24 and 22, respectively, to pace the E-Painters, who missed their coach Yeng Guiao in the fourth period as he was ejected in the third canto for technical infractions.

CONVERGE 103 - Stockton 21, Heading 17, Arana 15, Racal 13, Diallo 8, Baltazar 8, Winston 7, Delos Santos 6, Santos 6, Caralipio 2, Ambohot 0, Nieto 0.

RAIN OR SHINE 96 - Clarito 24, Thompson 22, Belga 14, Santillan 6, Nocum 7, Asistio 5, Tiongson 5, Ildefonso 2, Norwood 0, Datu 0, Lemetti 0.

Quarter Scores: 17-30, 47-43, 73-69, 103-96.