Converge bounces back, chalks up first win in PBA PH Cup

Sports

THE Converge FiberXers rebounded from a frustrating loss, punishing the Phoenix Fuel Masters, 92-83, for their first win in the 49th PBA Philippine Cup on Sunday night, April 6, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Coming off an 83-92 loss to the Meralco Bolts that saw them blow away a 20-point lead, the FiberXers got off to a slow start but dominated the final three quarters to get the bounce-back win.

Alec Stockton powered the FiberXers with 18 points, six rebounds, two blocks, and one assist. Converge’s twin towers also played solid with Justin Arana and Justine Baltazar combining for 19 markers, 26 rebounds, four assists, two steals, and two blocks.

Schonny Winston and Bryan Santos gave Converge a huge spark from the bench with the former finishing with 14 points and eight rebounds and the latter collecting 12 points.

Kai Ballungay tallied 15 points and Tyler Tio had 13 for Phoenix, which stumbled anew after starting the tournament with an 87-95 loss to the Terrafirma Dyip.

THE SCORES:

CONVERGE (92) - Stockton 18, Winston 14, B. Santos 12, Arana 10, Baltazar 9, Nermal 7, M. Garcia 6, Racal 5, Caralipio 5, Delos Santos 2, Corpuz 2, Ambohot 2, Suerte 0, R. Santos 0.

PHOENIX (83) - Ballungay 15, Tio 13, Salado 8, Alejandro 8, Tuffin 7, Rivero 6, Camacho 6, R. Garcia 6, Soyud 5, Ular 4, Verano 3, Jazul 1, Manganti 1, Daves 0.QUARTERSCORES: 19-24, 44-38, 67-57, 92-83.(CCM)