PBA: Hopson hits 4-point winner to shoot Converge past TNT

Converge’s Scotty Hopson shoots over TNT’s Rondae Hollis-Jefferson in the PBA Governors’ Cup.–PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines–After using the four-point shot to the hilt, import Scotty Hopson on Tuesday night used the new league rule to put TNT to sleep, 96-95, in the PBA Governors’ Cup.

Hopson, the first player ever to rack up three quad-shots in a game, hit a tough four-pointer with 3 seconds remaining to seal the FiberXers’ comeback from 16 points down at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“I’ve made shots like that in my career in terms of game-winners, so this was just another one that went in,” he said shortly after the high-wire escape where he also finished with 28 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists.

READ: PBA: Alex Cabagnot feels so much younger at Converge camp

Schonny Winston finished with 14 points and seven rebounds while Justine Arana, Kevin Racal, and Cabagnot all chipped in double-digit scores for the young telco club which recovered from a 105-93 loss to Magnolia.

“Being able to grind out something like this, against a tough team, gives you a bit of confidence,” said interim coach Franco Atienza.

Resident import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson had 32 points and 15 rebounds, while Calvin Oftana chipped in 22 and 10 for the Tropang Giga, which missed out on a golden chance to extend their winning ways into three meetings.

Converge next plays NorthPort, in a clash set this Thursday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila. TNT battles Magnolia in the same playdate.

The Scores:

CONVERGE 96 – Hopson 32, Winston
14, Arana 13, Racal 12, Cabagnot 10, Stockton 8, Santos 5, Delos Santos 2, Ambohot 0, Andrade 0, Caralipio 0, Nieto 0

TNT 95 – Hollis-Jefferson 32, Oftana 22, Castro 8, Aurin 7, Khobuntin 7, Nambatac 6, Heruela 5, Erram 5, Pogoy 3, Payawal 0

QUARTERS: 16-29, 40-53, 64-70, 96-95