Converge import Quincy Miller in his first game in the PBA. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–Converge gave Aldin Ayo a victory in his first game as big league coach after beating Terrafirma, 124-110, in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Friday at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Debuting import Quincy Miller led the charge with 38 points, 16 rebounds, five assists and three blocks as Ayo produced a bright start to his maiden stint on the FiberXers sidelines.
Playing at a faster pace since the onset, Converge eventually pulled away in the third behind Miller, Maverick Ahanmisi, Alec Stockton and Aljun Melecio that eventually extended the frustrations of Terrafirma.
“First game’s always the hardest because you don’t know what to expect,” said Ayo “For us, we just stepped up the pedal and went full speed ahead.”
Ahanmisi had 18 points spiked by three triples to emerge as one of seven FiberXers in double figures during the contest that marked the league’s return to its former home for the first time since 2017.
Aldin Ayo made his PBA coaching debut on Friday. –PBA IMAGES
His five in the third helped Converge break loose in the third after a 62-all tie at the half, and led by a high of 18 during garbage time.
The defeat stretched the woes of the Terrafirma side to 17 consecutive games dating back to the 2022 Governors’ Cup.
Terrafirma has not won since a 109-103 win over Blackwater last Feb. 12 at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Import Lester Prosper finished with a game-high 43 points for the Dyip while Alex Cabagnot had 13 points and eight assists in his return after being sidelined for nine months due to an injured Achilles.
The scores:
CONVERGE 124 — Miller 38, Ahamisi 18, Arana 13, Ilagan 12, Teng 11, Stockton 11, Melecio 10, Bulanadi 4, Racal 3, Tratter 2, DiGregorio 2, Ambohot 0.
TERRAFIRMA 110 — Prosper 43, Munzon 14, Tiongson 13, Cabagnot 13, Cahilig 7, Gomez de Liano 7, Calvo 5, Camson 4, Ramos 2, Alolino 2, Javelona 0, Gabayni 0, Mina 0.
Quarters: 26-30, 62-62, 93-79, 124-110.