Converge FiberXers’ Bryan Santos.–PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–Playing with the same zest it had when it battled a traditional powerhouse two nights ago, Converge turned back Meralco, 104-99, for a breakthrough win in the PBA Philippine Cup.
The FiberXers rode the hot hand of Bryan Santos, who after a scoreless first quarter finished with 22 points—his output built on a 7-for-10 shooting from distance.
“We’re excited for this win. We weren’t thinking of eight straight losses he. We prepared hard for San Miguel but [a win] didn’t pan out … I told the players that we execute play by play, possession by possession and they did,” head coach Aldin Ayo said on the heels of the win at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
SCHEDULE: 2024 PBA Philippine Cup
“We didn’t lose hope when the losses piled up. We wanted to exit the conference on a high note, that’s why if you noticed we’vebeen playing hard. Everyone was active. The coaching staff, the players are playing through their roles. You couldn’t see that we had a low morale even with our standing. We looked for reasons to enjoy the game and to have fun,” he added as his charges snapped an eight-game dry spell in the centerpiece tournament.
Alec Stockton chipped in 20 points, Justin Arana added 18 more that went with seven rebounds and seven assists as Converge brace for a bumpy exit. Ayo and his charges wrap up their fruitless conference against Barangay Ginebra and then TNT.
Chris Newsome had 25 points, Chris Banchero added 20 more while Aaron Black wound up with 19 as the Bolts fell to a 3-5 win-loss mark, their playoff hopes entering perilous territory.
Meralco can still right the ship and ensure that it is within the qualifying threshold should it fare well in its next three games that will pit the Bolts against Phoenix, Magnolia, and then San Miguel.
The Scores:
CONVERGE 104 – Santos 22, Stockton 20, Arana 18, Winston 14, Delos Santos 10, Caralipio 9, Maagdenberg 4, Melecio 4, Nieto 2, Fleming 1, Fornilos 0
MERALCO 99 – Newsome 25, Banchero 20, Black 19, Hodge 10, Quinto 9, Caram 6, Bates 5, Pasaol 5, Rios 0, Pascual 0, Maliski 0, Torres 0
Quarterscores: 23-25, 42-53, 77-77, 104-99