PBA: Hopson hits 4-point winner to shoot Converge past TNT
Converge’s Scotty Hopson shoots over TNT’s Rondae Hollis-Jefferson in the PBA Governors’ Cup.–PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–After using the four-point shot to the hilt, import Scotty Hopson on Tuesday night used the new league rule to put TNT to sleep, 96-95, in the PBA Governors’ Cup.
Hopson, the first player ever to rack up three quad-shots in a game, hit a tough four-pointer with 3 seconds remaining to seal the FiberXers’ comeback from 16 points down at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Article continues after this advertisement“I’ve made shots like that in my career in terms of game-winners, so this was just another one that went in,” he said shortly after the high-wire escape where he also finished with 28 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists.
READ: PBA: Alex Cabagnot feels so much younger at Converge camp
Schonny Winston finished with 14 points and seven rebounds while Justine Arana, Kevin Racal, and Cabagnot all chipped in double-digit scores for the young telco club which recovered from a 105-93 loss to Magnolia.
“Being able to grind out something like this, against a tough team, gives you a bit of confidence,” said interim coach Franco Atienza.
Article continues after this advertisementResident import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson had 32 points and 15 rebounds, while Calvin Oftana chipped in 22 and 10 for the Tropang Giga, which missed out on a golden chance to extend their winning ways into three meetings.
Converge next plays NorthPort, in a clash set this Thursday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila. TNT battles Magnolia in the same playdate.
The Scores:
CONVERGE 96 – Hopson 32, Winston
14, Arana 13, Racal 12, Cabagnot 10, Stockton 8, Santos 5, Delos Santos 2, Ambohot 0, Andrade 0, Caralipio 0, Nieto 0
TNT 95 – Hollis-Jefferson 32, Oftana 22, Castro 8, Aurin 7, Khobuntin 7, Nambatac 6, Heruela 5, Erram 5, Pogoy 3, Payawal 0
QUARTERS: 16-29, 40-53, 64-70, 96-95
