Converge forward Jeron Teng. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—Converge came storming back from a 17-point deficit behind a huge fourth-quarter comeback to stun Rain or Shine, 102-101, and stretch its winning streak to seven games on Sunday in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Justine Arana scored the go-ahead basket with 15.1 seconds left as the FiberXers, who spent the whole fourth quarter implementing a fullcourt press, snatched victory away from the Elasto Painters to get their eighth win in 10 outings.
Euphoria ensued after the final buzzer as Converge pulled off the biggest result since coach Aldin Ayo took charge at the beginning of the midseason conference.
THIS Converge PLAY stole the ballgame from Rain or Shine!
102-101 FiberXers over Elastopainters. #PBAGameTayoDito pic.twitter.com/zMfreg8Vy4
— PBA (@pbaconnect) November 13, 2022
“Good thing that we won, but we’re going to learn from this. We’re going to continue building our team,” said Ayo.
Jeron Teng had 20 points, four rebounds and three assists while Arana added 16 points and seven rebounds to keep the FiberXers tied for second place with the Bay Area Dragons.
That made up for the offensive struggles of import Quincy Miller, who despite posting 19 points missed all six triples. He did come up with 20 rebounds, five assists, three steals and two blocks.
Rain or Shine wasted a chance to stay in the top eight, falling to ninth spot at 4-6 following the heartbreaking defeat.
Import Ryan Pearson showed significant improvement in his second game since replacing Steve Taylor Jr. with 25 points and 10 rebounds while Gian Mamuyac was the local scorer with 24.
The Scores:
CONVERGE 102 — Teng 20, Miller 19, Arana 16, Tratter 11, Melecio 11, Ahanmisi 11, Ilagan 11, Stockton 3, DiGregorio 0, Tolomia 0, Racal 0 , Ambohot 0.
RAIN OR SHINE 101 — Pearson 25, Mamuyac 24, Asistio 16, Caracut 11, Nambatac 10, Santillan 6, Belga 4, Norwood 3, Demusis 2, Borboran 0.
Quarters: 25-27, 55-57, 69-84, 102-101.