Converge coach Jeff Cariaso. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—Converge head coach Jeff Cariaso admitted his team is still figuring things out on the court two games into the young PBA season.
The FiberXers on Friday took a big step on their learning curve following a dramatic 89-82 win in overtime over perennial contender Magnolia on Friday in a game where they came back from 20 points.
“We’re a young team, we’re learning about each other,” said Cariaso after steering the franchise to its first victory in the PBA.
“They’re learning how to play together so we’re trying to get wins while we’re doing that so, yeah, it’s a little difficult,” added Cariaso. “But the resiliency, I love the effort, the no give-up. That’s what I’m proud of.”
Cariaso had plenty of reasons to feel good about with Jeron Teng scoring 19 points and his guards Maverick Ahanmisi and RK Ilagan adding 14 points apiece.
Ilagan was the one responsible for keeping Converge alive, sending the game into OT with a clutch 3-pointer with 3.6 seconds remaining in regulation.
“My only ask for everyone is to be ready. To stay ready, prepare well, prepare hard, be a good teammate and to be ready,” Cariaso said.
The FiberXers hope to show just that again when they face another league heavyweight in the TNT Tropang Giga on Sunday.