Converge FiberXers’ import Scotty Hopson during a PBA Governors’ Cup game against Terrafirma. –PBA IMAGES
Scotty Hopson picked the most opportune time to get out of a funk on Saturday night, hitting yet another game-winning quad shot to will Converge past Terrafirma, 100-99, in the 2024 PBA Governors’ Cup.
The American import delivered the kill shot with 2.5 ticks left as the FiberXers rose to 4-4 in the Governors’ Cup, their playoff hopes very well alive even after a shaky first eight meetings.
“It’s nice when you have a weapon like that. You have to use it. The lightning struck twice for us,” interim coach Franco Atienza said shortly after the highwire escape at Ninoy Aquino Stadium which nearly mirrored the club’s victory against TNT.
READ: PBA: Scotty Hopson provides much needed leadership for Converge
Hopson launched from the right wing of the pioneering stripe to bail his squad out, almost exactly the way he did in the triumph over seasoned Tropang Giga last Aug. 27.
Swelling hamstring be damned, Hopson’s shot also helped Converge get a streak going—something Schonny Winston used as a compass as he finished with 19 points and seven rebounds.
“It’s getting to close to playoff time, so we’re just trying to hone in and sharpen our skills, sharpen what we do as a team, and make people even better. We are just trying to cut out all the fat and really get ready for playoff time,” the young guard said.
READ: PBA: Scotty Hopson hits 4-point winner to shoot Converge past TNT
Hopson had 18 points and was frosty for most of the final frame until the game-winner. Alec Stockton had 15 while Justin Arana and Bryan Santos 13 in the escape act.
Import Antonio Hester put up 28 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists, while rookie Paolo Hernandez and veteran Dre Cahilig tossed in an identical 15 for the severly undermanned Terrafirma which remained winless in eight meetings.
Things won’t be any easier when Converge shoots for a quarters berth as it battles Meralco and Magnolia next.
Terrafirma, with Juami Tiongson and Christian Stanhardinger likey out for the remainder of the conference, meanwhile, take on TNT and then Meralco in a bid to avoid going winless once again.