THE new-look Converge FiberXers kicked off their 49th PBA Commissioner’s Cup campaign on a rousing note as they blasted the Terrafirma, 116-87, on Wednesday, November 26, at the PhilSports Arena.
Former NBA player Cheick Diallo turned in a solid Philippine debut as he finished with 25 points and 16 rebounds.
Converge’s newest prized recruit Jordan Heading teamed up with Justin Arana, Bryan Santos, Mike Nieto, Alec Stockton, and Schonny Winston in giving the FiberXers a strong local production.
Converge dominated the contest right from the opening buzzer behind a torrid shooting that saw them shoot 43-of-83 from the field, including 14-of-32 clip from rainbow area.
The FiberXers pummeled the Dyip off the boards, 70-35.
Terrafirma didn’t have the needed firepower as they played without new recruits Terrence Romeo and Vic Manuel as well as the injured Christian Standhardinger.
The Dyip acquired Romeo and Manuel from San Miguel Beer in exchange for Juami Tiongson and Andreas Cahilig.
It also didn’t help that Terrafirma’s import Ryan Richards scored just 10 points on 5-of-16 shooting from the field.
THE SCORES
CONVERGE (116) - Diallo 25, Arana 16, Santos 12, Nieto 11, Heading 8, Winston 7, Stockton 7, Ambohot 6, Fleming 6, Andrade 5, Racal 5, Fornilos 3, Javillonar 3, Santos 2, Cabagnot 0.
TERRAFIRMA (87)- Catapusan 13, Sangalang 11, Pringle 11, Nonoy 11, Richards 10, Carino 8, Hernandez 6, Ramos 5, Melecio 4, Paraiso 3, Ferrer 3, Zaldivar 2, Hanapi 2. QUARTERSCORES : 34-16, 59-42, 86-67, 116-87.(CCM)