Converge FiberXers’ Jolo Mendoza. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–Converge got a huge lift from draft hopeful Jolo Mendoza to pull off a 104-90 win over Phoenix in the PBA On Tour on Friday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Mendoza was red-hot from beyond the arc and finished with 26 points as the FiberXers posted their fourth victory after eight games in the exhibition series.
The former Ateneo cager, set to enter the draft in September, drained seven threes, most came in the second quarter to highlight a performance that came after averaging just 1.8 points in his four previous On Tour appearances.
Mike Nieto, Mendoza’s ex-Blue Eagle teammate, had 20 points and nine rebounds, Kevin Racal scored 12 and Justine Arana had 10 points, nine rebounds, five assists and two blocks for Converge.
Another unheralded player also keyed Converge’s triumph in Keith Zaldivar, who scored eight of his 11 points.
Zaldivar, who was signed a few weeks ago after being released by Magnolia, joined hands with Mendoza and Nieto as Converge pulled away after Phoenix got to within six, 79-73, in the payoff period.
Phoenix fell to 3-5 in the On Tour after dropping five of its last six matches.
Sean Manganti posted 15 points and eight rebounds for the Fuel Masters.
The scores:
CONVERGE 104—Mendoza 26, Nieto 20, Racal 12, Zaldivar 11, Stockton 9, Ambohot 9, Arana 8, Guinto 5, Ebona 2.
PHOENIX 90—Manganti 15, Mocon 11, Muyang 10, Tio 9, Garcia 9, Camacho 9, Jazul 8, Lalata 8, Celda 6, Rangel 3, Alejandro 2, Fetalvero 0, Atienza 0.
Quarters: 21-26, 49-45, 72-68, 104-90.