New recruits, role players power Converge to rout of Terrafirma in PBA On Tour

Converge FiberXers Mike Nieto. –PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines–Converge got to test out its new acquisitions and role players with success in routing Terrafirma, 119-82, on Friday to begin the PBA On Tour stint on Friday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Mike Nieto and Adrian Wong put up good numbers so were Jerrick Balanza and Jeo Ambohot as the FiberXers rolled past the Dyip behind a big second quarter barrage.

Nieto had 12 points and 12 rebounds while Wong scored 11 on 5-of-9 shooting after the former Ateneo standouts were acquired from Rain or Shine and Magnolia in the offseason.

“I think it’s easy for them to adjust because of their court smarts, their work ethics,” said Converge coach Aldin Ayo.

Balanza dropped 24 points spiked by five triples even as Ambohot put up 11 points and 11 rebounds in 24 minutes, a significant playing time after spending most of his rookie season on the bench during the 2022-23 campaign.

Center Justine Arana, who had a solid rookie campaign, had 24 points and 12 rebounds for the FiberXers, who led by as much as 41.

A 35-point second quarter allowed Converge to turn its debut in the two-month exhibition series into a rout.

Juami Tiongson scored 17 points in 22 minutes in a losing effort for Terrafirma, which fielded Kevin Ferrer and Isaac Go after dealing through injuries last season.

Ferrer posted 12 points and five rebounds while Go put up seven points and four rebounds in his first game since tearing his ACL in June 2022.

The scores:

CONVERGE 119—Arana 24, Balanza 24, Nieto 12, Teng 12, Ambohot 11, Racal 8, Ebona 7, Stockton 5, Guinto 5.

TERRAFIRMA 82—Tiongson 17, Ferrer 12, Daquioag 11, Alolino 8, Go 7, Cahilig 5, Taladua 5, Alanes 5, Camson 4, Gomez de Liano 4, Calvo 2, Ramos 2, Grospe 0, Mina 0.

Quarters: 22-18, 57-40, 85-58, 119-82.