Stockton leads Converge to their three-game win streak

Alec Stockton came out clutch for Converge, scoring seven of the team’s last nine points in their victory over the Meralco Bolts, 105-97 in the PBA Season 49 Governor’s Cup on Wednesday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Stockton scored 12 of his 27 points in the payoff period including a big three-pointer in the final two minutes of play to put the FiberXers ahead for good, 99-97.

The Fil-Am guard also grabbed 11 rebounds to record a double-double performance and complement the game-high 32 points and 10 rebounds of their new import Jalen Jones, who came in to replace the injured Scotty Hopson.

The FiberXers (5-4) now hold the solo third place in Group A after the win, which was also their third straight victory. They are now ahead of Magnolia (4-4) and NorthPort (3-5) in the standings and are inching their way to have a quarterfinals berth.

“We want to prepare for the playoffs, but we want to get in there first,” said interim coach Franco Atienza.

Meanwhile, Allen Durham paced Meralco with 25 points, nine rebounds and six assists, while rookie CJ Cansino had a career-high 21 points together with six boards.

Chris Newsome added 14 markers and 11 rebounds before fouling out with 2:41 remaining on a contested call and the score still tied at 94.

Meralco will have their last elimination round assignment on September 21 when they face Terrafirma at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, while Converge will battle Magnolia on September 23 at the same venue.

CONVERGE 105 - Jones 32, Stockton 27, Arana 12, Winston 8, Caralipio 8, Delos Santos 7, Santos 6, Ambohot 3, Nieto 2, Melecio 0, Andrade 0, Vigan-Fleming 0, Fornilos 0.

MERALCO 97 - Durham 25, Cansino 21, Newsome 14, Quinto 12, Banchero 10, Caram 6, Hodge 5, Bates 2, Almazan 2, Jose 0, Mendoza 0, Rios 0.

QUARTERS: 29-30, 51-53, 79-77, 105-97.