Photo Courtesy: PBA Images
Juan Karlo Libunao (JKL)
Converges survives another day off Alec Stockton buzzer-beater
Converge Alec Stockton made the final say in the Game 3 of their quarter finals against San Miguel when he hit a two-point jumper at the end of the buzzer to lead the FiberXers victory against the Beermen, 114-112, on Monday night, September 30, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The victory was the first franchise win of Converge in a post-elims play and the team did it in a fashionable way as they pulled off a fourth-quarter comeback from 21 deficit.
San Miguel’s lead even reached as high as 27 points when they erected an 83-56 advantage before entering the final canto with an 83-66 edge.
Then, the FiberXers resilience prevailed in the end as Stockton buried the game-winning shot over the outstretched arms of CJ Perez.
Stockton's buzzer-beater became possible after the Converge guard stayed in the game when a flagrant foul penalty two called on him in the first quarter was downgraded to a penalty one after a review.
He was initially called for a F2 after elbowing Kris Rosales in the closing seconds of the first period, but after the referees changed the call, allowing Stockton to stay in the game.
Stockton finished with 20 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists for the FiberXers, while Justin Arana produced 23 markers and 11 boards, and import Jalen Jones added 17.
“It’s still far. Isa pa lang ito. It’s one of the three. It’s hard to beat that team three straight. But we will take it one game muna,” said Converge coach Franco Atienza.
EJ Anosike racked up 39 points, grabbed nine rebounds, and dished off five assists, while Perez added 18 points and 10 rebounds for the Beermen in the defeat.
The Beermen still lead the best-of-five series, 2-1, and will try to close it again on Friday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Photo Courtesy: PBA Images
The Scores:
Converge 114 – Arana 23, Stockton 20, Jones 17, Santos 15, Caralipio 11, Winston 10, Cabagnot 8, Nieto 7, Delos Santos 2, Ambohot 1, Andrade 0.
San Miguel 112 – Anosike 39, Perez 18, Lassiter 14, Fajardo 12, Romeo 12, Ross 6, Rosales 6, Trollano 3, Cruz 2, Brondial 0.
Quarters: 20-27; 44-53; 66-87; 114-112.
News
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The filipina tennis ace bounced back against a struggling first set, and won the next two to secure the victory.
The win also served as payback for Eala, who fell short to Joint in the Lexus Eastbourne Open final, 4-6, 6-1, 6-7, in June 2025.
Up next, the 21-year old's 3rd round opponent will be World. No.3 and defending champion Iga Swiatek.
The two are tied at 1-1 in their meetings. Eala defeated Swiatek in the 2025 Miami Open quarterfinals, while Swiatek evened the series with a victory in the 2025 Madrid Open round of 64. This upcoming match-up will be their tiebreaker.
The filipina acknowledged that it will be a difficult challenge to overcome against Swiatek.
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Eala will face Swiatek tomorrow, July 4.
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In the match, which lasted more than two hours, Xyz Ellen Rayco led the team's offense with 19 points, including 14 attack points.
Joining the 15-year-old Rayco was Ma. Ellanie Lorraine Gonzalvo, who also contributed 15 points, highlighted by 12 attack points and two aces.
Philippines head coach Rey Karl Dimaculangan emphasized the importance of maintaining the right mindset.
"We need to be more focused on the game and be more aggressive, especially on the floor," he said.
Alas Pilipinas will next face Japan on Thursday before taking on India on Friday.
Alas Pilipinas secured the bronze medal after beating Indonesia, 27-25, 27-29, 18-25, 25-22, 15-11, in the 2026 Southeast Asian Girls' U18 Volleyball Championship.
This marks their second consecutive Bronze Medal after they clinching the first in last year's tournament.
Ella Gonzalvo also won the Best Outside Hitter Award in the tournament.
Meanwhile, Thailand successfully defended their title against Vietnam, 25-23, 29-27, 25-22, and was crowned champion once again in the Princess Cup.
The Oklahoma City Thunder have signed Isaiah Hartenstein to a 3-year contract extension, retaining him to be a key part of the team until the 2028-2029 NBA season.
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The German center's impact on this young OKC team has extended beyond the stat sheet, as he played a significant role in helping the franchise win the 2025 NBA championship.
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The long-awaited rematch between Manny Pacquiao vs. Floyd Mayweather Jr., originally scheduled for September 2026, has been postponed, according to Manny Pacquiao Promotions CEO Jas Mathur, made the announcement on Friday.
Pacquiao camp stated the postponement was caused by volatile mix of federal lawsuits, scheduling overbooks, and financial gridlock completely surrounding the Mayweather camp.
Among the the reported legal disputes is a lawsuit filed by Events company CSI against the american boxer, alleging he and his camp failed to fulfill the agreement granting the exclusive promotional rights for the rematch, and an exhibition match between him and former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson.
The lawsuit reportedly involves at least $4.65 million for the american boxer to recover.
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