PBA: Jamaal Franklin’s triple-double sends Converge to 4-0 start
Jamaal Franklin. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—Import Jamaal Franklin’s triple-double anchored unbeaten Converge to a 112-98 win over struggling Rain or Shine in the PBA Governors’ Cup on Thursday at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Franklin had 25 points, 13 rebounds and 15 assists in an all-around performance as the FiberXers climbed back to the solo lead in the season-ending conference with a fourth victory in a row.
“It’s his game,” coach Aldin Ayo said of the Converge reinforcement. “He’s a complete player. He can shoot, he can orchestrate the offense, he’s very unselfish and he loves the crash the boards if needed.”
Rookie center Justine Arana scored 21 points while four others, including Jeron Teng and Abu Tratter, scored in double figures for the FiberXers in frustrating the Elasto Painters.
Rain or Shine slipped to 0-3 in a contest that saw coach Yeng Guiao getting tossed for two technical fouls.
Guiao was sent off late in the third quarter after using profane language at referee Mau Orioste.
It was the first ejection for the fiery mentor since he came back to the Rain or Shine camp in this season’s Commissioner’s Cup.
Michael Qualls’ 34 points couldn’t lift the Elasto Painters out of their early misery despite rallying late in the second to trail 52-48 at the half.
The Scores:
CONVERGE 112 — Franklin 25, Arana 21, Teng 17, Balanza 12, Tratter 11, Stockton 10, Ahanmisi 7, Murrell 5, Tolomia 2, Racal 2, Guinto 0, Ambohot 0.
RAIN OR SHINE 98 — Qualls 34, Nambatac 16, Mamuyac 8, Demusis 8, Santillan 7, Ponferrada 6, Torres 6, Nieto 6, Caracut 3, Asistio 2, Belga 2, Ildefonso 0, Borboran 0, Yap 0, Clarito 0.
Quarters: 29-21, 52-48, 84-69, 112-98.
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