Converge FiberXers’ Maverick Ahanmisi. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–Maverick Ahanmisi went off in the second half to finish with a career-high 31 points as Converge assured itself of a place in the PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinals by defeating Blackwater, 98-90, on Thursday at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Ahanmisi delivered a performance that proved why many considered him as one of the biggest snubs in next month’s All-Star Game in Passi City, Iloilo, firing 22 in the third quarter as the FiberXers took command after a tight first half.
He was actually held to just three points in the first 24 minutes before putting on a shooting display that saw Ahanmisi knock down six of his seven triples in that third period.
Converge ended the night in solo third at 6-2, joining TNT (8-1) and San Miguel Beer (7-2) in the quarters.
“We have to continue building our team because it doesn’t really stop,” said FiberXers coach Aldin Ayo when informed of securing the spot in the last eight.
Import Jamaal Franklin had 19 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, three steals and two blocks in another all-around effort as he and Converge redeemed themselves after Saturday’s narrow loss to NLEX.
Blackwater lost for the seventh straight time to fall further in the standings at 1-8.
Troy Rosario returned to action after being sidelined for several games with an injury and finished with 20 points for the skidding Bossing.
The scores:
CONVERGE 98 — Ahanmisi 31, Franklin 19, Teng 17, Stockton 10, Tratter 8, Arana 6, Ebona 3, Balanza 2, Racal 2, Murrell 0.
BLACKWATER 90 — Rosario 20, Glover 19, Ilagan 12, Amer 8, Banal 7, Hill 6, Torralba 6, Ular 4, McCarthy 3, Casio 3, Taha 2, DiGregorio 0, Suerte 0.
Quarters: 21-14, 43-38, 78-66, 98-90.