MANILA, Philippines – There were no blown leads for Converge this time.
The FiberXers preserved a sizable cushion and notched their first win in the PBA Philippine Cup after beating Phoenix, 92-83, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Sunday, April 6.
No. 1 overall pick Justine Baltazar turned in an all-around outing of 9 points, 16 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 blocks as Converge rebounded after squandering a 20-point lead and losing on a game-winner to Meralco on Friday.
Alec Stockton topscored for the FiberXers with 18 points on top of 6 rebounds and 2 blocks, Schonny Winston produced 14 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 steals, while Bryan Santos fired 12 points on a 3-of-6 clip from long range.
Forming a formidable frontcourt tandem with Baltazar, Justin Arana put up a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds as Converge won despite still missing star guard Jordan Heading.
Heading remained sidelined due to back spasms and is expected to miss more games.
Kai Ballungay once again led the way for the Fuel Masters with 15 points and 12 rebounds, although his production took a hit after a 30-point, 15-rebound performance in their conference-opening loss to Terrafirma on Friday.
Phoenix looked set for redemption after grabbing a 24-19 lead at the end of the opening period only to fizzle out in the middle quarters, and trailed by as many as 23 points, 61-84.
Tyler Tio ended up as the only other Fuel Masters player in double-figures with 13 points.
The Scores
Converge 92 – Stockton 18, Winston 14, Santos 12, Arana 10, Baltazar 9, Nermal 7, Garcia 6, Caralipio 5, Racal 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, Garcia 6, Ular 4, Soyud 5, Verano 3, Jazul 1, Manganto 1, Daves 0.
Quarters: 19-24, 44-38, 67-57, 92-83.
– Rappler.com