TNT import Jalen Hudson in the PBA Governors’ Cup. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–Import Jalen Hudson erupted for 56 points to lead TNT to a 128-122 victory that ended Converge’s unbeaten start in the PBA Governors’ Cup on Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Hudson made key baskets down the stretch on his way to a 21-of-31 clip as the Tropang Giga reinforcement won his matchup with FiberXers counterpart Jamaal Franklin, who finished with 47 points.
TNT handed Converge its first loss after a 4-0 record to open the season-ending conference after getting its fourth victory in five outings.
The Tropang Giga also matched their winning output in the Commissioner’s Cup, when injuries and import woes led to an unusual early exit for the team that is always in title contention.
“You have to consider that we lost a lot of guys to injuries [last conference],” said TNT coach Jojo Lastimosa. “Now we have a much-more complete team and we have a more-dynamic import in Jalen.”
Hudson’s output was the highest since last year when San Miguel Beer import Shabazz Muhammad put up 57 in a win over Meralco in the same conference. Hudson also had 12 rebounds and four assists for TNT.
Mikey Williams added 19 points, RR Pogoy posted 18 points and five rebounds while new addition Paul Varilla added 12 points and four rebounds.
Converge suffered defeat despite holding a seven-point lead in the third as Hudson powered the Tropang Giga rally that spilled into the final canto.
The scores:
TNT 128 — Hudson 56, Williams M. 19, Pogoy 18, Varilla 12, Castro 10, Oftana 5, Chua 3, Khobuntin 3, Williams K. 2, Marcelo 0.
CONVERGE 122 — Franklin 47, Ahanmisi 21, Tratter 11, Arana 10, Racal 9, Stockton 8, Teng 8, Murrell 6, Balanza 2, Guinto 0, Tolomia 0.
Quarters: 35-32, 64-65, 93-94, 128-122.